Climate Variability and Yam Production: Nexus and Projections

Abstract

It is speculated that variability in climate and weather events may affect agricultural productivity and livelihoods (Srivastava et al., 2012), especially in the Abstract | This study aimed to improve understanding of the nexus between climate variability and yam (Dioscorea spp.) production in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. Rainfall, temperature, sunshine and relative humidity , as well as yam yield data (1990-2016) were considered. Results revealed that climate elements fluctuated steadily during the period with a marginal increase in yam yield. The projections from the Time Series Modeler showed that relative humidity will decrease slightly while yam yield will increase by an additional 265 metric tons in 2026. Although minimal, and not significant to the declining food production trend in Nigeria, the projected increase in yam production in the area would support the deficit in food availability. The nexus between both variables was hypothesized using the multiple linear regression analysis. The result revealed that only sunshine intensity was a significant predictor of yam yield (p =0.011), whereas rain days (p = 0.332), rainfall volume (p = 0.393), temperature (p = 0.235) and relative humidity (p = 0.963) were not. This suggests that key climate variables do not significantly influence yam yield in the area, implying that non-climatic factors likely have more impact. This provides better opportunities to upscale yam production in the area and gives room for better planning by farmers and policy makers.

Exploring climate change adaptation strategies of crop and livestock farmers in urban Ghana

“…Urban farmers who cultivate crops and raise animals can employ various climate change adaptation measures. This supports the work of [5] on adaptation measures employed by urban farmers including crop diversification. Urban farmers can diversify their crop selection to include a variety of plant species that are resilient to different climatic conditions.…”

“…However, it is important to note that the specific adaptation measures employed by urban farmers may vary depending on their location, available resources, and the specific challenges posed by climate change in their area [19]. This finding supports the recent idea that despite the climate change challenges farmers face they can adjust farming practices to increase production of food crops [5]. Even though urban farmers use manure, compost, https://doi.org/10.1007/s44274-024-00084-8 and mulching just a few examples of basic agricultural inputs that may not be as easily accessible as they are in rural agricultural communities [52].…”

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“…This upland area covers more than 60 % of the land area in Indonesia (Hakim et al, 2017) and more than 40 % in the world (UNESCO, 2020). This highlights the adaptability of "uwi" to the local climatic conditions and ability to thrive without significant climate impacts (Okongor et al, 2021). Some varieties can even be adapted to forest stands with higher production capacity (Wuryantoro et al, 2019).…”

Variability in Some Selected Rainfall Characteristics and Yam Production in Makurdi and Gboko, Benue State, Nigeria.

“…The decline in production is mostly owing to its sensitivity to climatic conditions, particularly moisture, as a result of variations in rainfall onset and cessation over time and space, rather than other environmental or edaphic factors. (Atedhor, 2020;Eruola, Bello, Ufogbunex, & Makinde1, 2012;Okongor, Njoku, Essoka, & Efiong, 2021). This is because an optimal yield requires a balanced water supply during the critical and active growth periods of vine and leaf development, tuber initiation, and bulking, but this is not always the case as yam is grown under a rain-fed system, which cannot guarantee consistent moisture availability throughout the growing season (Eruola et al, 2012).…”