Impact of Climate Variability on Maize Yields in Southern Togo (Tabligbo)

Abstract

Climate variability continues to threaten agricultural productivity worldwide, especially in Togo where crop production is mostly rainfed-based. This study aims to investigate the impact of climate variables on maize yields in the Maritim region of Togo. Climatic data from 1980 to 2022 and maize yield data from 1990 to 2021 were collected. The Mann-Kendall test and Sen's slope estimator were applied to analyze the trends of climatic variables such as minimum and maximum temperatures and precipitation. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to test maize yields against historical climatic variables. The results of the study showed increasing trends in annual temperatures. The minimum temperature increased by 0.05°C per year in Tabligbo and 0.03°C in Lomé; whereas the maximum temperature showed an increasing trend of 0.03°C per year in both locations. The rainfall significantly increased (p<0.05) in Lomé and Tabligbo by 2.29 and 1.6 mm per year, respectively. Any significant impact of climate variables on maize yields was not observed at all locations. A non-significant positive relationship was observed between rainfall and maize yields in Tabligbo. Likewise, a non-significant positive relationship between minimum temperature and maize yields in Tabligbo was noticed. The results of our study indicate that policymakers should actively endorse sustainable agricultural practices. This support would enhance the resilience of maize production in the face of climate variability and change, simultaneously boosting farmers' adaptive abilities and their income prospects.