Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between rainfall variability and maize yield in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State. The specific objectives were to analyse the trend in rainfall distribution and its impact on maize yield and to provide recommendations to improve maize productivity in the study area. Rainfall data was sourced from the archives of the Nigerian Meteorological station, Oshodi, Lagos; the maize yield data was collected from the archives of Benue State Agricultural and Rural Development Agency (BNARDA). The rainfall and maize yield data for 33 years (1988-2021) were used to characterise the maize yield response to rainfall pattern (increase or decrease). Trend-line equation was used to show the trend of rainfall, while Pearson's Correlation Coefficient (r) showed the degree of relationship between rainfall and maize yield. The results of the trend-line regressions showed an increase in total annual rainfall (y = 7.1873x + 1106.4) and an increase in maize yield (y = 0.0319x + 2.3239). The correlational trend chart showed a positive relationship between total annual rainfall and maize yield (r = 0.19), indicating that rainfall positively influenced yield. The study recommended that early warning weather information and climate-resilient varieties are needed to improve maize productivity. Extension services should also be provided to enhance farmers' knowledge on rainfall variability and its effects on maize yield.
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