AN ASSESSMENT OF CHARACTERISTICS OF RAINFALL AND TEMPERATURE VARIABILITY IN DADINKOWA YAMALTU DEBA LGA OF GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study aims to assess the rainfall and temperature pattern to suggest some resilience mechanisms, the farmers' perception of rainfall and temperature variability, and adaptation strategies. Rainfall and temperature data (1989-2018) from the Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority Hydrological Department and a structured research questionnaire were used for this study. Statistical tools commonly used to describe climates such as mean, range, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation were employed. Standardized precipitation Index for the study revealed the first decade (1989-1998) had the highest number of dry years; five (5) moderately dry years, one (1) severe dry year, and one (1) extremely dry year. This was followed by the third decade (2009-2018), with four (4) moderately dry years and one (1) severe dry year. And lastly the Second decade (1990-2018); with only three (3) moderately dry years. Whereas the third decade (2009-2018) had the highest number of wet years with four (4) slightly wet years, two (2) moderately wet years, and one (1) considerably wet year. The second decade (2009-2018) was relatively wet with three (3) slightly wet years, one moderately wet year, one (1) considerably wet, and one extremely wet year while the first decade (1989-1998) had only five 5 slightly wet years. The last two decades (1999-2008 and 2009-2018) were found to be wet while the first decade was dry. The study showed a temporal distribution of annual mean temperature in Dadin-kowa. The result revealed that the region experienced a rising and falling pattern from 1989 up to 2010. The region then started experiencing a rise from 2010 down to the end of the study period. Late onset of rains and increase in temperature have been experienced by the farmers and understood as evidence of variation in climate. The findings of both empirical data and of the questionnaire agreed that there is evidence of climate variability that can be explained in terms of rainfall and temperature variability in the area. The coping strategies employed include the use of locally made fertilizer, irrigation, and change of planting date, mixed cropping, and use of planting period techniques. Thus, awareness raising on climate variability, weather forecasting, and expanding existing irrigation infrastructure among others were recommended to help ameliorate the effects of climate change on the farmers' cropping practices.