Impact of Climate Variability on the Price of Staple Food in Major Markets in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.

Abstract

The climate of Nigeria varies from tropical rainforest to tropical savannah to the mountain climate. The rainfall is highly variable in these space. Different weather conditions influence crop productivity which in turn affect prices of food. The aim of the study is to examine the effect of climate variability on the prices of staple foods in Ilorin, Kwara State. Data on rainfall minimum temperature and maximum temperature were gotten from the archives record of Nigerian Meteorological agency (NIMET) Ilorin Airport, while data on the prices of staple foods was gotten from the administration of 290 copies of questionnaires in some selected markets in the area. The data was analysed using mean, standard deviation coefficient of variation, line graph, tables, regression and correlation. The result of the study revealed that the mean rainfall recorded during the period was 1387.12mm, mean minimum temperature was 21.5oC while the mean maximum temperature was 32.1oC. Also the mean price of maize was ₦8,770, yam was ₦7,709, cassava ₦8,320 and rice was ₦12,091. The result also showed that maize is directly related to rainfall, minimum temperature and maximum temperature, Yam is directly related to minimum temperature and maximum temperature but inversely related to rainfall; cassava is directly related to rainfall, minimum temperature, and maximum temperature while rice is directly related to minimum temperature and maximum temperature but inversely related to rainfall. It was concluded that climatic variability has a direct relationship with the prices of staple foods. The study recommended that Government should support farmers by subsidizing the cost of fertilizers and providing resistant varieties of crops. This will boost the yield of crops thus leading to abundance of food and forcing down the prices of food in the area.