@article{fdi:010096030,
  title = {{L}andscapes of uncertainty : mangrove rice farmers' perceptions of rainfall variability and climate change adaptation in three coastal regions of {G}uinea-{B}issau, {W}est {A}frica},
  author = {{B}adiane, {A}. and {K}asanoski, {D}. {S}. and {M}endes, {O}. and {B}onnet, {M}arie-{P}aule and {S}á, {R}. {M}.},
  editor = {},
  language = {{ENG}},
  abstract = {{R}ainfall variability poses growing challenges to mangrove rice farming in {G}uinea-{B}issau, threatening both local livelihoods and food security. {T}his study investigates how farmers in the coastal regions of {C}acheu, {O}io, and {T}ombali perceive changing rainfall patterns and adapt their cropping calendars accordingly. {U}sing a companion modelling approach, we co-designed a serious game with 45 mangrove rice farmers from 13 villages, complemented by group interviews and participant observation. {T}he results reveal that farmers possess detailed, experience-based knowledge of rainfall variability-particularly regarding the delayed onset, mid-season dry spells, and early cessation of rains-which directly influences key agricultural decisions such as nursery establishment, transplanting, and harvesting. {T}hrough the serious game, participants collectively identified and validated four main adaptation strategies: (1) flexible adjustments to cropping systems (e.g., shifting to direct seeding in erratic years), (2) strategic use of short- and medium-cycle rice varieties, (3) enhanced water management through reinforced dykes and drainage innovations, and (4) diversification into complementary livelihood activities such as cashew cultivation and fishing. {T}he serious game proved to be an effective tool for facilitating dialogue, sharing local knowledge, and collectively refining context-specific adaptation pathways. {T}hese findings underscore the value of integrating farmers' ecological knowledge with participatory methodologies to support resilient agricultural planning under climate uncertainty.},
  keywords = {{M}angrove swamp-rice production ; {R}ainfall variability ; {A}daptation strategy ; {C}ompanion modelling ; {S}erious game ; {G}uinea {B}issau ; {GUINEE} {BISSAU}},
  booktitle = {},
  journal = {{A}gricultural {W}ater {M}anagement},
  volume = {324},
  numero = {},
  pages = {110120 [14 p.]},
  ISSN = {0378-3774},
  year = {2026},
  DOI = {10.1016/j.agwat.2026.110120},
  URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010096030},
}