The Influences of Temperature and Rainfall on the Yields of Maize, Yam and Cassava among Rural Households in Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the influence of temperature and rainfall on the yields of maize, yam and cassava among rural households in Delta state, Nigeria. The specific objective is to determine the relationship between maize, yam and cassava yields and climatic factors (temperature and rainfall) in the state. Multistage sampling procedure was used in the random selection of local government, communities and rural households for the research study. Annual mean time series data of temperature and rainfall were collected from Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and also annual mean time series data of yield of maize, yam and cassava were collected from Agricultural Development Programmes (ADP). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, trend analysis, correlation matrix and growth model. The households mean age in the state is 47 years and mostly headed by males. Most rural farming households were married (65.2%). Education level of rural households is dominated by primary school with a mean large household size of 10 persons. The state witnessed a low mean annual income of N50,803 ($338.69). There was an increasing trend in the annual mean temperature and a decreasing trend in annual mean rainfall while their projected future values are increasing in the state. Rainfall is negatively related to the yields of maize, yam and cassava respectively which is not good for optimal performance of the yields of maize, yam and cassava respectively. There was a decreasing trend in the yield of maize in the state which points to hunger. Thus, this study recommends that climate change mitigation and adaptive measures should be adopted to forestall hunger and food insecurity situation in the state. Also rural households’ educational programmes should be a priority to the state for both climate change awareness and ability to understand Government policies and programmes towards achieving food security in the state.

Keywords: Temperature, Rainfall, Yields, Rural Households, Delta State.