Variations in Rainfall and Temperature and Land Degradation in Mkpat Enin LGA, in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

This study investigates the spatiotemporal variations in rainfall and temperature over four decades (1981-2020) and their implications for land degradation in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Analysis of climatic data reveals a significant upward trend in annual temperatures at a rate of 0.0181°C per year, coupled with fluctuating rainfall patterns, including periods exceeding 4000 mm and notable declines during the COVID-19 pandemic era. These climatic shifts have been associated with increased soil erosion, structural weakening, and moisture loss, exacerbating land degradation processes in the region. Soil physicochemical properties, permeability, and land use practices further influence the extent of land deterioration. The findings underscore the critical need for sustainable land management strategies that adapt to changing climatic conditions to mitigate land degradation and enhance agricultural resilience in the face of ongoing climate change.