Analysis of Rainfall Characteristics in Kaduna State, Nigeria from 1999 – 2018

Abstract

In the present time of changing climate, rainfall provides a vital information for effective agricultural and water resource planning and management. This study aimed at analyzing the rainfall characteristics in Kaduna state, Nigeria. Rainfall data of 20 years from 1999-2018 were obtained from the National Water Resource Institute Kaduna for the study. Walter’s 1967 formula was used to calculate the rainfall Onset and Cessation dates while the Seasonality Index was calculated using the Walsh and Lawler’s 1981 method. Results obtained revealed a decrease in trend for rainfall Onset and Cessation, Annual Rainfall amounts and also a negative trend in the Seasonality Index of the study area. While the Length of rainy season shows a positive trend for the reference period. The study suggests in-depth research in areas related to crop-climate relationship, so that variety of crops with optimum yield potentials will be cultivated in the area to feed the increasing population. This will help to avoid the risks of hunger and related food insecurity in the study area.