Climatic Conditions

The climate of the district is characterised by two main seasons; dry and wet, which are influenced by the North-East Trade Winds and the South-West Monsoon Winds respectively. The dry season (late November to early March), is influenced by the cold, dry and dusty harmattan air mass from the Sahara Desert, and is characterised by little rainfall due to low relative humidity, which rarely exceeds 20 percent and low vapour pressure less than 10 mb. Day temperatures can reach as high as 42° Celsius (especially during February and March) while night temperatures can be as low as 18° Celsius.

The period from May to October is the wet season. During this period, the entire district comes under the influence of the Tropical Maritime Air Mass. This air mass, together with rising convectional currents provides the district with rains. The average amount of rainfall recorded in the district is 800 mm per annum.

Relief and Drainage

The relief is generally low and undulating with heights of about 120 to 150 metres above sea level. However, a few parts of the district consist of series of plateaus with an average height of 400 metres. The district has its highest point located on the Zawse Hills peaking beyond 430 metres. This also marks the highest point in the Upper East Region.

The district is mainly drained by the White Volta River. A few streams, dams and dug-outs can also be found in low surface land areas. Most parts of the district are not well drained especially during the wet season. The district becomes inaccessible from the regional capital and other settlements almost on an annual basis due to flooding. The opening of the Bagri Dam in neighbouring Burkina Faso and the consequent overflow of the banks of the White Volta River and some of its tributaries aggravates the flooding situation in the district.

Vegetation

The vegetation of the district is mainly the Sahel Savannah type with scattered shrubs, short grasses and trees. Pockets of the savannah woodland vegetation can also be found in the district. The most common tree species include shea nut, dawadawa, baobab, mango and neem. The forested areas in the district can only be found along the White Volta River where the trees are protected.

Soils

Soils in the district are generally of the Savannah Ochrosol type. Detailed soil classification by the Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI), Manga reveals four different soil series. The Varempare Series are mainly sandy loams associated with hornblende and granites. They are quite permeable with some good level of water retention and are suitable for the cultivation of cereals and legumes. This type of soil series is found in the eastern part of the district.

The Tafali Series, which have similar characteristics as the Varempare Series, are found around Binduri and its environs. The Gule and Brenyasi Series, located mostly in the valleys, are clay loams and suitable for the cultivation of rice, sorghum (naga red) and dry season vegetable cultivation (Onions and Tomatoes).