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EFFECT OF RAINFALL VARIABILITY ON YIELD OF SELECTED CROPS IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA.
Abstract: Crop yield plays a crucial role in boosting a nation’s economy and improving the quality of life. Understanding the impact of rainfall variability on crop yield is essential for the sustenance of human existence. This study investigates the effects of rainfall variability on selected crops in Benue State, Nigeria. Both primary and secondary data sources were utilized, with CMAP Rainfall data collected from orbiting satellite images spanning a 30-year period (1988-2017) over Benue State. Crop yield data for the same 30-year period were obtained from the archives of the Benue State Agricultural and Rural Development Agency (BNARDA).
Primary data were collected through questionnaires administered to 720 farmers selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Twelve out of the twenty-three Local Government Areas (LGAs) were selected based on high crop yield, resulting in the selection of 36 extension blocks. From these blocks, 72 farming communities were randomly chosen, and 10 farmers were randomly selected from each community. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, and the results were presented using frequency tables, charts, and figures.
Rainfall variability was determined using the coefficient of variation and the Precipitation Variability Index (PVI). The trend of selected crops was assessed using the Mann-Kendall test. Additionally, rainfall data from 1988 to 2017 were analyzed to determine rainfall indices (onset, cessation, and length of the rainy season) and their effects on crop yield in Benue State. Partial correlation analysis was conducted to measure the magnitude of zonal rainfall variability.
The research findings indicate that the precipitation variability index reveals a tendency of drought, particularly in the Northern Zone of the State, with more than 30% variability. The South exhibits variability between 20% and 30%, while the East experiences less than 20% variability. Rainfall onset occurs earliest in the South (April 4th), followed by the East (April 6th) and the North (April 9th). The cessation dates range from October 6th to November 17th across the study areas. The Length of Rainy Season (LRS) is longest in the Eastern Zone (236 days), followed by the Southern Zone (230 days), and the Northern Zone (209 days).
The study reveals that the yields of selected crops (cassava, yam, maize, soybeans, and groundnut) exhibit a positive trend over time, while rice yields show a negative trend. Approximately 73% of respondents are aware of rainfall variability and have attempted various adaptation measures, with 69% confirming that these methods have increased their yield. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that rainfall commences early in the Southern Zone, followed by the Eastern and Northern Zones. Crop yields are increasing due to adaptive choices made by farmers.
The study recommends further investigation into other climate elements such as temperature, relative humidity, and farm management practices to determine their impact on crop yield. Efforts to promote irrigation farming should be intensified to reduce the uncertainties associated with rain-fed agriculture. Annual sensitization workshops and seminars should be encouraged to raise awareness among farmers about climate change and its potential impact on crop yield. Moreover, additional extension workers should be deployed in the state to support rural farmers, and farmers’ adaptation measures, such as changes in planting dates and the use of improved crop varieties, should be harnessed for better outcomes.
EFFECT OF RAINFALL VARIABILITY ON YIELD OF SELECTED CROPS IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA. GET MORE ACTUARIAL SCIENCE PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS
