Assessment of Water Balance in the Aboine Drainage Basin in Southeastern Nigeria as a Sine Qua non for Climate Change Adaptation
Author: M.N. Ezemonye & C.N. Emeribe
Volume: 53 Issue No:1 Year:2011
Abstract: The agricultural potential of any region depends on both the climatic factors and level of infrastructural development of the area. In Southeastern Nigeria, rainfed agricultural production will experience high risks of crop failure under the present changing climate, especially where some measure of stability to availability of water is threatened. Since water serves as a catalyst for agricultural development and, therefore, ensures food security, there is need to understand the seasonal distribution of water among the hydrologic components of a region and water consumptive use of crops. Thus this study examined the water budget of the Aboine basin and its implications for agricultural development. Maize, rice and tomatoes, which served as major sources of food and income for the teeming population, were selected as crops for the study. The results showed that the study area was undergoing water stress; that even during the rainy season, supplementary irrigation was needed in the area for sustained and improved crop yield. The results provided farmers with guidelines on period and quantity of water required for supplementary irrigation on monthly and seasonal basis to prevent the wilting of plants before the application of needed water. The study recommended more research on rainfall variability prediction and adaptation mechanism in the study area as well as introduction of early warning systems that aid timely remedial measures and training of farmers in water conservation practices.
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