In Burkina Faso, climatic conditions determine the agricultural practices of the populations
engaged in this sector of activity to ensure viable socio- economic development. In Ouahigouya,
farmers are trying to adapt to the vagaries of the climate, which are reflected in wide variations
in rainfall, temperature, humidity and wind parameters. As a result, their perception of how these
parameters behave is essential for organizing their activities and deciding what actions to take to
get the most out of production. The aim of this study is to compare the dynamics of climatic
parameters at the Ouahigouya synoptic station with the knowledge of farmers in the commune.
To this end, documentary, meteorological and survey data were collected, processed and
analyzed. Records of rainfall, temperature and wind over the normal 1992-2023 series were used
to establish the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), the number of rainy days, and variations
in temperature and wind. Surveys were carried out among 120 farmers on their assessment of
climate variability. The results show that farmers perceive a decrease in the amount of rainfall
(91.7%) and the number of rainy days (90%), coupled with a late start to the rains (94.2%), an
increase in temperatures (81.7%) and an increase in the frequency of violent winds (80.8%).
However, the scientific facts are quite different. They show an increase in rainfall and the
number of rainy days, and a decrease in wind speed, despite the fact that temperatures are rising.
This discrepancy between scientific observations and local perceptions calls for more in-depth
investigations to gain a better understanding. Also, measures to adapt to climate variability could
also be considered

Burkina Faso, Ouahigouya, climate variability, farmers' perceptions.