Effects of Climate Variability on Maize Yield in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State, Nigeria
This study assessed the effects of climate variability on Maize yield in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State between 1999 and 2018. The research design employed in the study was an ex-post facto and analytical design. Hence, the study is a quantitative study that provides statistical data as empirical evidence and produces descriptive and informative sceneries of the topic study. Based on the objectives of this study and data analysis, the results revealed an increasing trend in average annual maximum temperature in the study area, with 62 percent variability, and a deceasing trend in average annual minimum temperature, with 44 percent variability. More so, the results revealed an almost uniform but increasing trend in average annual rainfall in the study area between 1999 and 2018, with a 37 percent variability. Furthermore, results of the trend analysis revealed an increasing trend in maize yield in the study area, with 50 percent variability. The correlation analysis revealed a nonstatistically significant strong positive linear relationship (r = 0.088, sig. 0.712 > 0.05) between the average rainfall and average temperature in the study area. More so, the correlation analysis revealed also revealed a non-statistically significant weak negative relationship (r = -0.072, sig. 0.762 > 0.05) between average rainfall variability and maize yield in the study area. A statistically significant moderate positive linear relationship (r = 0.564, sig. 0.010 < 0.05) was found between average temperature and maize yield in the study area. The linear regression analysis revealed that 33 percent (r-squared: r2= 0.333)of the variation in maize yield is explained by the variation in rainfall, and temperature between the periods of 1999 and 2018 in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State. Hence, rainfall and temperature affect maize yield in the study area by 33 percent. The study thus recommended that farmers should adopt climate change and variability mitigation and adaptive measures. These include the use of resistant and drought tolerant species. In addition, there is need for the Ministry of Agriculture and Taraba State Agricultural Development Programme to educate farmers and farm agents on the realities and effect of climate change and variability, as well as adaptive measures that can be taken. These include better and practicable environmental policies, improved agricultural techniques, and alternative source of water which will include irrigation farming, and mulching, vis-à-vis creating sustainable food security in the long run.
