Effects of weather conditions on cassava yield in Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the effect of agro-climatic variables on cassava yield in Nigeria. Secondary data on cassava yields were collected over the period of 40 years (1965 – 2004) from international institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Ibadan. The Linear Trend Model (regression) and Parvin\'s Model were used for data analyses.The Linear Trend Model gave the best fit considering the size, sign and it\'s significance at one percent level. The yield increased at the absolute rate of about 0.795 tones per ha. Results from the Parvin\'s Method, indicated that if ideal weather conditions had occurred every year, there would have been considerable increase of 522 percent in yields, per annum. Average annual loss in potential yield due to un-ideal weather condition would have been 5500 percent per annum.The forecasts were both efficient and unbiased.

Keywords: Agro-climatic variables, cassava yield, efficient and unbiased estimate

Bowen Journal of Agriculture Vol. 5 (1&2) 2008: pp. 119-127