Assessing the Trends and Patterns of Some Selected Climate Change Variables (Temperature, Humidity and Rainfall) on Agricultural and Pastoral Livelihood of the People of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State Between 1994 and 2024

Abstract

This study assessed the trends and patterns of some selected climate change variables, which includes temperature, humidity and rainfall in Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria, between 1994 and 2024. Secondary climatic data were collected from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). The analysis of the climatic data, included annual mean maximum and minimum temperatures, relative humidity, and rainfall for the period understudy (1994–2024). Temperature increased from 29.8°C to 32.9°C (maximum) and 14.0°C to 16.3°C (minimum), while relative humidity declined from 62.4% to 55.6%, and rainfall fluctuated between 1,025 mm and 1,918 mm. The study concludes the trends and patterns of climate change have witness significant changes, over the past 30 years in Bassa Local Government. Consequently, the study shows a direct link between climate change effects on climatic variability, the changes have led to reduced pasture availability, altered vegetation composition, and diminished access to water sources which has also increased competition for environmental resources.