RAINFALL TREND IN THE SUDANO-SAHELIAN ZONE OF NIGERIA

Abstract

The paper highlighted used trend analysis to determine the rainfall variations over four stations (Kebbi, Yobe, Sokoto and Kastina) in the sudano-sahelian zone of Nigeria. Rainfall data for 50yrs in the zone were tested were tested using 5-years and 10-years running mean. The whole period was divided into decades and the decadal means compared with long term mean. Results indicate a decrease in annual rainfall in the zone from the mid-1970s up to the mid-1990s. Recent trends, however, show increase in annual rainfall from the mid-1990s. The importance of this for agriculture and water resources planning and development cannot be overemphasized.