An Analysis of Temporal Rainfall Variability in Argungu Area over the Last Half Climatic Year (1995-2012): Implication on Rainfed Crop Production

Abstract

This paper analyzes rainfall variability in Argungu area. Data for half climatic year 1995-2012 were obtained from Argungu station of Kebbi Agriculture and Rural Development Authority. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the data. The results show that there is statistically significant difference in annual rainfall over the years. Analysis further revealed that the month of August, 2010 has the highest rainfall amount of 1066mm with the year 1996 receiving the least annual rainfall amount within the period under study respectively. The study recommends that since annual rainfall in the area is characterized by fluctuations, irrigation agriculture should be developed and supported by government to compliment rain-fed agriculture to encourage crop production in the area. DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2013.v2n12p117