Abstract
Knowledge of rainfall characteristics and variability and relationship with crop yield are important in policy interventions to
stabilise farmer’s incomes and food supply in the LGA and Taraba State at large. This study examines the impact of rainfall
variability on maize yields in Gassol LGA. Specifically, the study examines the trend of rainfall variability and maize crop
production and the relationship between rainfall variability and maize yield in the study area. Archival data of rainfall and
crop yield were obtained from relevant Government Ministry and Agency. The data were analysed using trend analysis,
regression and correlation analysis with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) and Minitab. The result
of the findings show that rainfall is increasing, while onset is delayed and cessation is early in the study area. The study
finding shows that onsets of rainfalls are becoming more uncertain and unpredictable with dry spells after planting in the
study area. The result shows that there is a low relationship between maize yield and rainfall variability in the study area.
Rainfall variability amounts only to 23% of the total variance influencing maize yield per hectare in the past 30 years in the
study area. A reliable estimation of the onset and cessation dates of the rain could help maximise rainwater use by farmers
in the study area.
Keywords
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