Abstract
This work examines famers’ perception on the effect of rainfall variability on rice yield in Dadin-kowa, Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State. Nigeria. Data for the study were collected via questionnaire survey of 60 respondents and it also covered and relates with daily rainfall data for a period of Seventeen (17) years, 2001 to 2017 from Upper Benue River Basin Dadin-kowa Meteorological Centre. Frequency table and percentages was used to access the In-depth knowledge and the perceived effects of climate change, rainfall variability to be precised, on rice production. While the analysis using Cumulative Rainfall Model clearly demonstrates delay in onset of rainy season, early cessation of rainy season and shortening of the length of hydrological growing season. The result further reveals 30th May as the onset mean date, the cessation mean date is 12th October and hydrological growing season is having a mean of 137 days. Farmers make sequential decision: Adjusting planting timing in response to delays in the onset of rainy season while changing crop variety responding to delay in the end of previous year’s rainy season. The findings of the study show that the decrease in yield of rice is the immediate impacts of rainfall variability. Thus a study understanding farmers’ perception on the effects of rainfall variability on rice yield can prove extremely valuable.
Highlights
Variability in global climate and change are evident with enormous impacts, which vary across locations and socioeconomic features
The type of data required for this research include Annual daily rainfall data sourced from Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority Dadin-Kowa metrological station, Perception of farmers toward rainfall variability and how it affect rice yield are sourced from administered questionnaire
The rainfall onset and cessation dates, as well as the length of the rainy season were determined by adopting the percentage mean cumulative rainfall method
Summary
Variability in global climate and change are evident with enormous impacts, which vary across locations and socioeconomic features. Global agriculture in the 21st century has significantly been affected by climate change and future impacts are projected to worsen as the temperature continues to rise and precipitation becomes more unreliable [9]. Impacts of variability in global climate and change on rainfall affect farmers in many regions, countries and developing countries including Africa. [3] reported that local farmers are seriously concerned about rainfall variations because of the impact on food security, accessibility and utilization It becomes imperative to investigate and know the indepth knowledge of farmers on the impact of climate on rice production for ease of adaptation and to provide for further improvement in productivity. Drastic changes in rainfall patterns and rise in temperatures will introduce unfavorable growing conditions into the cropping calendars These changes modify growing seasons which subsequently reduce rice productivity [24]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
