Climate Variability Analysis in Anambra-Imo River Basin, Nigeria

Climate variability in the Anambra- Imo river basin results from constructing infrastructural amenities, which increases temperature, rainfall volume and intensity. Managing uncertainties, projections, and scenarios in climate variability with the limited available resources would enhance food security and reduce deforestation and threats of flooding/erosion. Pollution of air, land and water will reduce human suffering and loss of lives and properties in the river basin. This paper examines the various parameters that result in climate variability in the river basin. The objective was to use the data generated for climate variation from the previous year’s records to take necessary measures to mitigate climate variability’s effects at the river basin. The methodology involves collecting data in the study area for variations in temperature, rainfall and other climatic conditions. The graphical trend analysis was used to predict climate variability for better planning at the river basin. The result shows temperature increases from 1986 to 2020, which heats the environment due to human-related activities. The trend of variability in rainfall from 1975 to 2020 shows that increased temperature increases the rainfall intensity, resulting in flooding, erosion induced gullies, pollution of river systems and other related challenges in the river basin. The optimal utilization of the river basin resources/assets will reduce the impact of human-related activities, leading to a green revolution at the river basin. This results in clean energy, reduced soil erosion impact, reduced flood disasters, failure of reservoir and dams, and improved hydroelectric power generation and water supply with security improvement.