2.2.3. Model Description

The Ecocrop model is a crop suitability model. It uses a crop growth suitability threshold dataset hosted by the FAO [43]. It is an empirical model originally developed by Hijmans et al. [43] and based on the FAO-Ecocrop database [50] (Figure 2). The computation of optimal, suboptimal, and non-optimal conditions based on these datasets allows for the simulation of the suitability of crops in response to 12-month climate via t-min, t-mean, and prec. [43] (Figure 2). The Ecocrop model evaluates the relative suitability of crops in response to a range of climates including rainfall, temperature, and the growing season for optimal crop growth. A suitability index is generated as follows: 0 < 0.25 (not suitable), 0.25 < 0.5 (marginally suitable), 0.5 < 0.75 (suitable), and 0.75 < (highly suitable) [50,52]. The default Ecocrop parameters were assumed. Although those thresholds may vary with di fferent geographical and/or climatic conditions, previous studies report a close correlation between the Ecocrop model and the climate change impact projections from other crop models [16,27,33,50]. A paucity of data over regions of interest like SSA limits the validation of these processes [53]. Nevertheless, the method contributes to the demand for regional scale assessment of crop response to future climate projections. The 12 coloured lines observed for the Ecocrop climate suitability simulations in Figure 2a,b below represents 12 months. Each describes the most suitable conditions for the crop under consideration in any given month. A highly seasonal crop (e.g., maize) has suitable growth conditions for a limited number of months. The conditions for non-seasonal crops are suitable throughout the year. Crops with a growing cycle longer than a year (e.g., pineapple and plantain) are represented by a single 12-month period.
