THE AGRO-CLIMAr'rOLOGY OF MILLET· PRODUCTION IN DESERT FRINGE ZONE OF NIGERIA A CASE STUDY OF KEB . I STAl"fE

Abstract

The major thrust of this study was to identify quantify and analyse the Af!Jo climatological conditions of millet production in desert fringe zone of Nigeria and Kebbi State in particular. Two set of secondary data were collected from 19 stations distributed all over the state. TIle sample, covered all the 21 local Government areas of Kebbi State. The simple percentage and multiple regression techniques were used in analysing the data. The research findings came out with the following conclusions: . That the onset cessation of rains and the length of rainy season (LRS) are paramount features for understanding precipitation effectiveness in Kebbi State for General Agricultural Planning purposes. Although for planning in relation to crop development and yield, rainfall amount can not with certainty give a concise quantification of what crops need to give optimum yield. But essential computed applied parameters based on the same actual (observed) rainfall for effective planning are required. Such as the hydrological Growing Season (HGS). the hydrological ratio, and specific water consumption- (W/F) requirements. Menacing problems of Agriculture should be handled with utmost attention. To be precise Government should assist small scale fanners in the care of produce and much -more of agro-climatic parameters that aid millet yield in the state. This could mean obtaining more reliable data for proper forecast of agriculturally viable arable land of the state,