RAINFALL DISTRIBUTION PATTERN AND IMPLICATIONS FOR SEASONAL FARMING CALENDAR OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICES IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study investigated rainfall distribution pattern in Ogun State, Nigeria, in order to enhance and plan for effective agricultural extension service for farmers. Secondary rainfall data on daily basis were collected from the four meteorological stations in Ogun state. These data were used to determine the monthly and annual rainfall mean, rainfall trend and dry day spells. The result  of the study ascertained that rainfall distribution varies on daily and monthly basis, although the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test at 5 percent (α 0.05) level of significance showed that there was no significant difference in the amount of rainfall distribution across the zones of the state over the last twenty (20) years (1983-2002). The same test for rainfall distribution which each of the zones at interval of five years, however, showed that there was significant difference was observed within Ikenne and Ijebu zones. Based on the findings, it was concluded that variation in rainfall distribution across the state would pose no threat to filed crops due to the fact  that rainfall distribution pattern in the state is relatively dependable for crop cultivation.