The effects of climate on commercial activities in Southern Nigeria

Abstract

Since man and his activities are under the vagaries of weather and climate, this paper is therefore designed to critically analyse the impacts of weather and climate on the patronage of some selected commercial sectors in Southern Nigeria. Four years (2000 and 2003) climatic data of temperature and rainfall were collected from Nigeria Meteorological Station, Lagos and monthly sales record from six commercial sectors (Ice cream, soft drinks, and water; transportation; building/construction; recreation; departmental stores and newspaper) between 2000 and 2003 were collected using questionnaires. The data were analysed using time series analysis, product moment correlation analysis, and extreme variability index. The results show fluctuation in sales of all the commodities from month to month in line with the varying weather elements. The most and least weather sensitive was (ice cream, water and soft drinks) and departmental stores. Sales were generally higher in all the commodities analysed during the dry season than during the rainy season. Apart from the impact of weather and climate there is sharp increase in sales in virtually all the commercial activities in the months of December and April due to Yuletide and Easter festivities. For these reasons it is therefore recommended among others that entrepreneurs and traders should seek for, and adhere to weather forecast and predictions (especially the long-term forecasts) to avoid unnecessary damages and lost occasioned by adverse weather.

Keywords: climate, commercial activities, sales, commodities, and yuletide

Global Journal of Social Sciences Vol. 4(1&2) 2005: 43-48