Effect of Rainfall Variability on the Yield of Yams in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the effect of rainfall variability on the yield of yams in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. Rainfall  data was sourced from the archives of the Nigerian Meteorological station, Oshodi, Lagos; the yam yield data was collected from the archives of Benue State Agricultural and Rural Development Agency (BNARDA). The rainfall and yam yield data for 33 years (1988-2021)  were used to characterise the yam yield response to rainfall pattern (increase or decrease). Trend line equation was used to show the  trend of rainfall, while Pearson's Correlation Coefficient (r) showed the degree of relationship between rainfall and yam yield. The result  in the trend line equation showed increase in the total annual rainfall (y = 7.1873x + 1106.4). The result in the yield pattern of yams also  showed that yam yield is on the increase (y = 3.3328x + 284.52). The result of the correlation showed that there is a significant correlation  between annual rainfall and yam yield (r=0.65), which implies that yam yields increase as rainfall amount increases. The result  corroborated the findings of previous researchers which confirmed that rainfall influence yam yield in Benue State. This increase in yields  was also attributed to increase in knowledge and adoption of viable adaptation strategies/improved production practices by the farmers.  Based on these findings, the study therefore recommend the adoption of viable adaptation strategies for the continuous production of  yams towards food security in the area; farmers should be encouraged to adapt measures such as improved seed varieties; use of  organic or inorganic fertilizer; use of early maturing varieties among others.