IMPACT OF WEATHER ON GUINEA CORN PRODUCTION IN IGABI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Guinea corn is one of the major cereal crops widely grown in Nigeria, and a very important staple food for the populace particularly in the northern part of the country. Excessive increases in temperature results in low agricultural productivity and this may lead to depletion of soil nutrients and destruction of soil structure and organisms which contribute to the fertility of the soil. The study examines the impact of weather on guinea corn production in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Qualitative and quantitative research techniques was adopted. Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and Diurnal Temperature Range (DTR) was used. The findings show temperature of 0.74 which signifies strong positive relationship between temperature and Guinea corn yield and Rainfall 0.117 which also signifies strong positive relationship between rainfall and Guinea corn yield. The mean maximum temperature trend of the study area for the period under study has been very variable (fluctuating). The lowest temperature was recorded in 2011 which was 11804.00C (in total) and 32.30C in average, while the highest temperature was recorded in the years of 2009 and 2013 which was 12488.9 0C in total and 34.40C in average. The study concludes that rainfall and the temperature of the study area for the period under study and as of these recent years has been inconsistence (fluctuating). The nature of weather in relation to Guinea corn production for the study period and as of recent years has been making the yields inconsistence (fluctuating). The study recommends that there should be climate monitoring stations for every agricultural zones of Nigeria and there should be time to time awareness and enlightment campaign on the causes of climate change in various parts of the country.