The Influence of Climate Variability on Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands, Yobe State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assesses the trend and patterns of climate variability on the Hadejia-Nguru Wetland. The major sources of the climatic data were collected from Nguru Meteorological station and Ministry of Agriculture in Nguru, Yobe State. The climatic data include Maximum and Minimum temperature and rainfall for the period of 42 years (1970-2011) was collected. Time series analysis using linear trend model was used to analyze the data. The climatic results revealed changes in the climatic parameters especially in rainfall and maximum and minimum temperatures. It revealed that there was a little per unit increase in the mean annual maximum temperature which increased by 2.40⁰C when the time is at origin (initial time), and the mean of mean annual maximum temperature was 34.3⁰C. It also shows the per unit increase in the mean minimum temperature which increased by 4.33⁰C when the time is at origin (initial time), the mean annual minimum temperature was 19.4⁰C. Furthermore, it indicated that the per unit increase in years of the mean annual rainfall increased by 1.00mm, when the time is at origin, the mean of mean of annual rainfall was 32.8mm. As a result of decline in rainfall with continued increase in population, there has been more pressure exerted on the wetland resources. The implication of the climatic variation had greatly impacted on the environmental conditions of the region. This study therefore recommends the Management of the Hadejia Jama’are Komadugu Yobe Basin Trust Fund to put in place empowerment strategies for mitigating the current pressure exerted on the wetlands for sustainable livelihood.