The Impact of Climate Change on Precipitation Effectiveness Indices in Northern Nigeria
2011
B.A. Sawa | A.A. Adebayo
The impact of climate change on six precipitation effectiveness indices in northern Nigeria was examined using rainfall data of three decades (1976-2005). The six derived indices are: onset, cessation and length of rainy season, hydrologic ratio, seasonality index and occurrence of pentad dry spells. The derived indices were subjected to time series analysis. Results of the analysis showed that the rains now start late but end early as a result length of rainy season is decreasing. Northern Nigeria is becoming drier as the rainy season is now spread within fewer months. Frequency of dry spells of 5 days is decreasing, however, dry spells of 10, 15 or more days are on the increase. This is diminutive to agriculture and water resources as well as the biodiversity of the region. It is a threat to food security and sustainable development. There is therefore, the urgent need for the Nigerian government to come up with a concrete action plan to face this reality of climate change.
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