Impact of Climate Change on Maize Production in Wushishi Local Government of Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the impact of climate change on maize production in Wushishi local government area of Niger State .Climate data (rainfall, maximum and minimum temperature and humidity) for period of 10years 92005-2014) was acquired from  the Nigeria Meteorological Agency Minna (NiMeT) while maize data was acquired from  Niger State  Agricultural Development Authority in order to understand crop and climate relationship to validate the impact of climate change on maize production. The climate data was analyzed using regression analysis and with the aid of charts. Result showed a generally rising trend in temperature across the study area. It shows that rainfall is not only more variable. But its onset and cessation patterns have shifted and its occurrence very inconsistent. A significant relationship between weather conditions and maize yield. The R Square value of 0.624 suggests that approximately 62.4% of the variance in maize production can be explained by the weather parameter there is the need to provide the farmers with local climate Information and the development of high maize varieties better suited to changing climate conditions in the study area.