Effect of rainfall variation on yam production in Kuta, Shiroro Local Government area of Niger State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Agricultural production in Niger State like other states in Nigeria is highly vulnerable to climate changeability. Climate change is predicted to have adverse effects on the agricultural sector of the poorer parts of the world especially sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of rainfall collected from 100 respondents through the administration of questionnaires. Rainfall data covering a period of ten years (2001-2010) was also obtained from Shiroro dam, Niger state, while the yearly yam yield for about ten years (2001-2010) was obtained from Niger state Ministry of Agriculture. The study evaluates the effect of rainfall variation on yam production and analyzed the variability in the rainfall pattern within the study area and its effect on the yield of yam. Linear regression and standardized anomaly index were used to analysis the data gathered. Graphs and tables were used to present the results. The study showed that the variation if rainfall in the study area was minimal but a strong relationship between rainfall variation and yam yield. It also showed a positive response between that yam yield and the moderate rainfall that was well distributed.