Understanding the Interplay between Rainfall and Temperature Patterns in Nigeria: Implications for Climate Resilience and Sustainable Development

Abstract

This study examines the intricate relationship between rainfall and temperature patterns acrossdiverse geographical regions in Nigeria and explores their implications for climate resilienceandsustainable development. Using comprehensive data analysis and regional case studies, theresearch reveals significant disparities in rainfall and temperature distributions betweenthenorthern and southern States of Nigeria. While the southern region experiences highandconsistent rainfall, the northern region faces prolonged dry seasons and is susceptible toflashfloods. These contrasting climatic conditions have profound environmental, socio-economic, andhuman health impacts, including recurrent flooding in the south and increased vulnerabilitytodrought and desertification in the north. The study revealed that understanding the interplaybetween rainfall and temperature patterns is crucial for developing region-specific adaptationstrategies and enhancing climate resilience across Nigeria. Again, the study showedthat byintegration of local knowledge, scientific expertise, and community engagement, policymakerscan formulate effective measures to mitigate the adverse effects of climate variability andchange, protect vulnerable populations, and promote sustainable development. This research contributesto the growing body of knowledge on climate dynamics in Nigeria and underscores theimportance of addressing regional climate variability in the context of global climate change.