Abstract

The study was carried out to determine the effects of climate variability on rice production in Nigeria from 1970-2016. Secondary data were employed, years of study extended from 1970-2016 (47 years). Time series data were extracted from Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and annual rice production was collected from National Bureau of Statistics. Results reveal that there were fluctuations over the period of study with alternating fall and rise. In the sub-period of 2010-2016, high mean rainfall of 799.10mm was recorded and a low mean rainfall of 641.97mm was recorded in the sub-period of 1980-1989 thereby resulting in average of 702.39mm over the period of study. High mean temperature of 26.770C was recorded in the sub-period of 1980-1989 and low mean temperature of 21.050C in 1970-1979 resulting in an average of 24.970C over the period of study. High output of rice production of 5,381,609 tons was recorded in 2010-2016 and a low output of 2,610,975 tons in 1970-1979 with an annual percent change of -6.58 percent over the period of study.?Coefficients of annual temperature and rainfall were positive and were both statistically significant at 1 percent level which implies a direct relationship between rice production and climate variables (rainfall and temperature). Rise in annual rainfall and temperature will lead to increase in rice production. The study recommended provision of varieties that can cope with moderate and high levels of rainfall and temperature.

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