*3.1. Traits of the Climate in Dapaong*

The temperature is high during the dry season reaching 37 ◦C and 26 ◦C maximum and minimum temperatures, respectively, while, in the wet season, the maximum temperature is 30 ◦C and the minimum temperature is close to 26 ◦C (Figure 4a). Due to these high temperatures, especially in the dry season, it is likely that the evapotranspiration is relatively high in the area. This argument is corroborated by Djaman and Ganyo [77] who found that the potential annual reference evapotranspiration—computed using the FAO-56 Penman–Monteith method—in northern Togo is higher than 1800 mm on average.

**Figure 4.** (**a**) Monthly mean temperature; and (**b**) mean total rainfall from November to April in Dapaong, Togo (1980–2016).

Figure 4b depicts the mean total rainfall during the dry season (November–April) in Dapaong district. The rainfall recorded during the dry season varies significantly from year to year. On average, the total rain that falls within this period is lower than 85 mm. In some years, the volume of rain which falls in the same period is up to 100 mm. The highest amount was reached in 2006/2007 (216 mm). Globally, this rainfall occurs on an average of five days only. Thus, none of the main cereals grown in the area such as maize, millet, and sorghum can survive under the dry season climatic conditions without an additional water supply. These findings prove again the fact that farmers only grow crops during the wet season. Overall, the climate of Dapaong in northern Togo is unfavorable to agricultural activities throughout the year because of its vagaries and uncertainties compromising crop yield. These results are in agreement with studies by Ogounde and Abotchi [16].
