Abstract
This study derived eco-climatic indices; a moisture quality index, onset and cessation dates, hydrologic growing season and Aridity Index all for the period (1950-2006), in addition to using National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration an Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer images to derive a Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index map. These derived eco-climatic parameters were integrated using Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. The overlay was hinged on a theoretical basis which holds that the variations of the Aridity index, cessation dates, length of the hydrologic growing season and vegetation index are directly proportional to eco-climatic zone changes while those for onset and MQI are inversely proportional. The quantitatively derived eco-climatic index and related maps identified five eco-climatic zones; wet, humid, sub-humid, dry sub-humid and semi-arid as against the three classic regional climatic zones. The eco-climatic map further unveils progressive transformation or southwards shifts in the boundaries of the regional climatic zones. Thus, the accurate delineation of the current eco-climatic zones would be essential for providing adequate information needed to achieve food security and sustainability of the physical environment that is fundamental to disaster risk reduction in sub-Saharan Africa. Key words: Northern Nigeria, climate change, rainfall variability, southwards shifts, eco-climatic zones, food security.
Highlights
The potential impact of climate change, rainfall variability patterns and the dynamic hydrologic regimes have continue to escalate land degradation and make it imperative that the broad eco-climatic zones could have changed
National Oceanographic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) satellite images of 1.1km spatial resolution over northern Nigeria was acquired from the National Remote Sensing Centre Jos, Nigeria
Eco-climatic index values decreased gradually from the south northwards as Maselli concludes that the substantial agreement between these sources testifies to the eco-climatic value of the product obtained
Summary
The potential impact of climate change, rainfall variability patterns and the dynamic hydrologic regimes have continue to escalate land degradation and make it imperative that the broad eco-climatic zones could have changed. Brian and Ed (1992) revealed that there are major shift in the ecological boundaries and the character of the broadly distributed ecosystem and Abdulkadir et al (2013a) confirmed rapid advancement of desert condition in the region. Claire et al (2008) concluded that climate change is inducing range shifts for many species as they follow their suitable climate space and further shifts are projected. Land degradation and it impacts on relevant socio-economic activities are typical phenomenon across northern Nigeria.
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