Analysis of Rainfall and Temperature Variability On Crop Yield in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria (Published)
Climatic variability is one of the major problems of Nigeria’s agricultural system and production. This paper examines the effects of rainfall and temperature variability on the yield of millet and cowpea in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Thus, information on yields of millet and cowpea, temperature and rainfall spanning the period of thirty years (1988-2018) were obtained for this study. The yield data for millet and cowpea were obtained from National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaisons Service (NAERLS), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, while data for rainfall and temperature were derived from Nigerian Metrological Agency (NiMet) Abuja. Trend analysis of climatic and yield data was carried out using Microsoft Excel Tool (2017). The relationship between rainfall and temperature data, millet and cowpea data were tested using bivariate correlation analysis. The result of the trend analysis showed that rainfall increases from 1988-2018 but yield rate declines. The results of the correlation analysis showed a weak relationship between rainfall data and yield. In view of this, it was recommended that, there is need for the development of a comprehensive agricultural and climate change policy that considers the risks associated with millet and cowpea production among farmers of the study area and Nigeria as a whole.
Keywords: Climate Change, Correlation, Rainfall, cowpea, millet, temperature
Analysis of Rainfall Trend and Its Relationship with Sorghum Yield in Sudan Savanna Region of Nigeria (Published)
This study analyzed rainfall trend and its relationship with sorghum yield in Sudan Savanna region of Nigeria by examining the trends of rainfall, crop yield and relate annual rainfall trend with length of the growing season. Rainfall data for 62 years (1956-2018) were obtained and subjected to statistical analysis. Pearson’s correlation was employed to test the relationship between rainfall and sorghum yield in the study area. The result shows increase in annual rainfall in Bauchi, Gusau, Kano, and Yola polygons while there was a decrease in annual rainfall in Katsina, Potiskum and Sokoto polygons. In termsf trend, there was a relatively earlier rainfall onset dates in all the Thiessen polygons with exception of Bauchi and Yola area where rainfall onset date changes insignificantly toward early pattern. There was also a decline in rainfall cessation in Bauchi, Gusau, Kano, Katsina and Sokoto Thiessen polygons within the study period. The Pearson’s correlation indicates a significant relationship between annual rainfall and sorghum yield in the study area with an average P-value of 0.71 which indicates a strong and positive relationship. The study therefore recommends sensitization of sorghum farmers on the relationship between sorghum and rainfall and the need to adopt variety of sorghum that can endure drought as a way of reducing the possible crop loss due to rainfall variability since rainfall show high variability.
Keywords: Rainfall, Sorghum, Sudan savanna, trend, yield