Assessing the Effects of Rainfall Variability in Parts of Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of rainfall variability in parts of Benue State. CMAP rainfall data were collected using orbiting satellite for the period of 30 years from 1988 to 2017 over Benue State. Data collected were subjected to various statistical analysis which include Coefficient of Variation which was used to determine the rainfall variability and Precipitation Variability Index (PVI) which was used to show the tendency of drought. The result shows that the mean rainfall distribution is normal since the mean annual precipitation is greater than 1000mm. The precipitation Variability Index in all the selected LGAs within the three zones indicates that the tendency of drought is much higher in the Northern zone of the State followed by the West and the South. Vandeikya LGA in the Western zone have Precipitation Variability Index of 19.50% in August which is an indication of least variability of moisture with high rainfall intensity, it is concluded that, in all the zones in Benue State agricultural activities should be carried out during the month of May, hence the Precipitation Variability Index values in April exceeds 30% which is an indication of higher rainfall variability.