Analysis of Rainfall and Temperature Trends in Bahati Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

<jats:p>This study analyzed the climate variability trends in Bahati Sub-County, Kenya for the period 1985 to 2015.The climate parameters used included rainfall onset, rainfall cessations, seasonal rain, annual rainfall, annual mean temperature, maximum and minimum temperature. Data on rainfall and temperature was collected from Nakuru Meteorological Station. The strength and direction of the relationship between rainfall and temperature was determined using SPSS software version 23 (correlation analysis) and Microsoft Office Excel 2010 to generate frequency tables, pie charts, graphs and moving averages. The findings revealed that there is a significant, negative and strong relationship between annual rainfall trend and maximum temperature (r= -0.716, p = 0.000). However, the study findings also revealed that the relationship between annual rainfall and minimum temperature had an insignificant, weak and negative relationship (r= 0.151, p= 0.418).</jats:p>

Effect of Rainfall and Temperature Variability on Green Gram Yield in Tharaka South Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya

“…The findings of this study concur with those of Kimani [25], who predicted that higher temperature variability throughout the OND season would result in a decrease in kidney bean seed production. The results of the regression model also support the findings of Koimbori [30], who reported that maize yield decreased as temperature rose. The observed findings may imply that there has been increasing temperatures in the area that may be associated with decline in green gram yield.…”

“…Mkonda [29] also found a strong relationship amongst rainfall and crop output. Similarly, Koimbori [30] reported a high correlation between rainfall patterns and maize production that is significant, favorable, and supportive. It is possible that the increased adaption to climate change through use of certified seeds, maximum soil cover, minimum tillage, crop rotation and weather advisories may have resulted in an increase in output from 2019 to 2021.…”