Rainfall Variability and its Effect on Livestock Production Across Nigeria

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating climate variability and its impact on livestock production across Nigeria. Observational data of monthly rainfall was obtained for a period of 42 years (1979 to 2021) from Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET). The yearly animal production data was also obtained for a period of 10 years (2013 to 2022) from Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Natural resources. The data obtained was subjected to descriptive statistical analysis (mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation) to show spread and variability; linear regression to show trend (changes with time); coefficient of correlation to show statistical relationship between the variables (rainfall and each of the animal production); revealing insights into changing precipitation patterns. Positive and negative correlations were identified, indicating how changes in rainfall influenced livestock output. And the significance of these correlations was determined through t-tests, shedding light on the strength of the relationship between rainfall and livestock production.