Rainfall variability and rubber production in Nigeria

Abstract

The role of rainfall in plant could not be overemphasized because rainfall determines the amount of moisture present in the soil which is ultimately made available to plants. The aim of this paper was to determine the variability of rainfall and its effect on rubber production in Nigeria. Towards achieving this aim, time series data from 1971 to 2009 were collected on mean annual rainfall and total annual rubber production. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics as well as correlation analysis. The results showed that high rubber production was recorded in 1991 while production was low in 1980 and 1983. Results also show that there is an inverse relationship between rubber production and rainfall. The study recommended that protective water proof containers should be used for collection of latex during raining season so as to prevent washing away of latex by rain.

Key words: Rainfall, variability, trend, correlation, rubber production.