Assessment of the effect of rainfall variability on maize productivity in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

Understanding the link between climate and crop productivity is very important in ensuring the future of food security in every part of the world. Rainfall especially in the dry tropical environment is one of the main factor affecting crop productivity. This article aimed to assess the effects of rainfall variability on maize productivity in Kaduna state, Nigeria. Annual rainfall and crop yield data were retrieved from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (Nimet) and Kaduna Agricultural Development Project (KADP), Kaduna respectively. Pearson product-moment correlation and multiple regression analysis were used to determine and assess the relationship between the rainfall indices and maize yield. The results of the correlation revealed that Length of rainy season has the strongest effects on maize yield in the study area with correlation coefficients of 0.501. The regression analysis showed that the selected rainfall indices accounts for 61.6 percent influence on maize yield in the study area during the reference period (1999-2018). The study recommends the judicious use of weather and climate forecast. This will help the farmers in proper timing during the crop production activities and also the selection of suitable crops for production to reduce the indiscriminate waste of valuable resources.