Rainfall Dynamics and Climate Change in Kano, Nigeria

This study examined the extent of climate change in Kano through rainfall data analysis. Rainfall data for one hundred years (1914-2013) of Aminu Kano International Airport synoptic meteorological station obtained from Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) was used in explaining the rainfall trend. Descriptions of monthly, annual and decadal rainfall averages were computed using Microsoft excel. The Normality of the data was tested using Shapiro- test for normality. Onsets, cessations and length of the rainy seasons were used to test variability of rainfall from time to time. The seasonality and standardize precipitation indices for ten year periods were performed. Trend lines and ten year moving averages were plotted. The findings revealed variability in both amount and length of raining season. The findings further revealed that drought and near drought conditions were experienced in the seventies and eighties. In the last two decades however there were improvements in moisture conditions. Trends of all the indices revealed an improvement in rainy condition except in the length of rainy season. The study concluded that even though changes were noticed in rainfall characteristics, it is difficult to ascertain climate change in the area on the basis of rainfall fluctuations. The research recommended the integration of other climatic variables and approaches as means for establishing changes or otherwise of climate in the study area.