SPATIO-TEMPORAL ANALYSIS OF RAINFALL DISTRIBUTION IN THE NORTHERN PART OF KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study analysed the characteristics and distribution of rainfall in northern Katsina State. Gridded monthly rainfall data (0.5 by 0.5) spanning a period of sixty (60) years (1962-2021) was used for the analysis. 5-year moving average, linear trend line equation, Cramer’s test, and student’s t-test were used to achieve this aim. The linear trend analysis results revealed that the annual and monthly rainfall amounts for June, August, and September had increased in the last two decades while the May rainfall has decreased. The results of the 5-year moving average and Cramer’s test indicated that the 1970s and 1980s were drier, while from 2000 to the end of the study period, experienced wetter conditions. Findings also revealed that the 1992-2021 climatic period was wetter than 1962-1991. It is recommended that scientists should develop genetically modified seeds suitable for the recent increase in rainfall in the study area. Farmers should acquire weather information to explore opportunities associated with climate change, significantly increasing rainfall in this drought-prone ecological zone. Lastly, communities and authorities should always take precautionary measures against floods, as the recent increase in rainfall exposes the area to flood risk.