Inter-Seasonal Variability in the Quality of Rainfall in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

Rainfall certainly remains a critical challenge controlling smallholder farmers in Nigeria also Inter-seasonal rainfall variability is an important aspect in full comprehensive study of rainfall variability as it affects the moisture quality. This study examined the inter-seasonal variability in the quality of rainfall in Minna, Niger State. Daily rainfall records periods of fifteen years (2000-2014) were used to derived onset, cessation dates, length of the rainy season, and frequencies of breaks, annual rainfall total and Moisture Quality Index (MQI) values which were also subjected to time series analysis. Result of the analysis reveals that effective onset dates were characterized by inter-seasonal fluctuations as the trends inclined toward early onset (early June to mid-May). Despite the early onset, it indicates that rainfall in Minna is characterized with breaks which sometimes result to mild drought after effective onset. Similarly, cessation dates are now shifting towards mid-October from late September which implies longer length of rainy season. This is confirmed by trend analysis of the growing season which indicates an increase from about 125 to 150 days. Moisture quality analysis shows that breaks play significant role in the seasonal moisture quality for sustainable agriculture and livelihood. The inter-seasonal variability of rainfall across the study area triggered seasonal weather-related hazards such as drought and flash flood which calls for a quick action plan so as to help farmers properly plan ahead of their planting season thereby reducing agricultural related disaster and intensifying sustainable food production.