STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF RAINFAL TREND IN AKURE, ONDO STATE, NIGERIA2017

Abstract

The pattern of rainfall in Akure has been haphazard, because it has not followed its natural trend for a long time as a result of climate change effect. This research aimed to examine the trend of rainfall in Akure using 50 years rainfall data. Data was collected from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Oshodi, Lagos state, Nigeria. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (time series and correlation analysis) were used to analyse the data. The results from time series analysis showed that rainfall fluctuated in an upward trend through the period of study. The predicted rainfall for 2016 -2045 indicated a positive trend of (+0.274), meaning that rainfall will increase in intensity, number of raining-days and duration. The study equally revealed a significant increase in rainfall trend for Akure between 1966 and 2015. The study therefore, recommended that flood forecasting and early warning should be adhered to by all stakeholders. Flood prevention through effective urban planning and provision of relief materials to the victims of environmental disasters should be encouraged. Key words: Climate, Rainfall, Statistics, Environment, Planning, Prediction, Trend