Rainfall Variability and Its Effects on the Yield of Rice in Benue South, Nigeria

Rice is in high demand now as a result of population growth and its importance as sources of energy and other minerals. However, the effect of rainfall variability on yield is a factor to consider by rice farmers in other to have a bumper harvest. The study examined rainfall variability and its effects on the yield of rice in Benue South, Nigeria. Total annual rainfall and yield data for rice in Benue south (1988-2022) was sourced from the office of Nigerian Meteorological station, Lagos and used to characterise the rainfall pattern and to show the relationship between rainfall and rice yield. The Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient (r) was used to show the relationship between rainfall and the yield of rice. The result showed positive and significant relationship between rainfall and years. Rainfall amount is shown to be affected by years with a coefficient of 0.34, showing a moderate positive correlation. Similarly, yield of rice shows a negative significant relationship implying that there is reduction in yield of rice with increase in years (-0.63). Amount of rainfall and rice yield do not show any significant relationship. Based on the findings, the study recommended the adoption of viable adaptation strategies such as irrigation farming, use of improved seed varieties and use of organic and inorganic fertilizer to boost the yield of rice.