Statistical Study of Rainfall Pattern in Gombe Metropolis, and its Implication on the Attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Abstract

This paper examines the statistical rainfall pattern in Gombe metropolis and its implications on the attainment of sustainable development goals (SDGs). Adopting statistical tools commonly used to describe climate such as mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, standardized coefficient of skewness and kurtosis, linear trends and Standardized Anomaly Index were used to examine the recent trends and pattern. The trend of rainfall in the study area in the last three decades shows that inter-annual fluctuation responsible for dryness and recent wetness in the study area. The results of the standardized anomaly index, 3- year running moving average and the linear trend revealed that rainfall total is increasing in the study area; the increase in the annual total is predominantly as a result of the increase of August and October, which are critical months for agricultural production in the area. The research recommend that there is need for total commitment and integrated approach towards attainment of SDGs and monitoring rainfall trend as its plays a significant role in the interface of economy, means of livelihood, poverty index and attainment of food security for the benefit of the present and future generation.