Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Crop Suitability in Nigeria

Abstract

A global phenomenon, climate change has a particular influence on the food availability for the next generation. Nigeria, the most populous nation in Africa with a population that is increasing at a geometric rate annually, will need to look at ways to preserve its agriculture, which is the main source of food, jobs, and the nation's economy. The goal of this study is to determine how climate change would affect the future crop suitability of cowpea, maize, and cassava (which are the main food crops in Nigeria) in the various agro - ecological zones (Sahel, Sudan, Guinea Savannah, Tropical Rainforest and Coastal zone) of the country. To do this, the EcoCrop model was used to assess the historical performance of the selected crops, and the findings were then utilized to inspire estimates for the suitability of the crops in the future. The EcoCrop model demonstrated substantial effects on the spatial distribution of the three selected crops across the zones as well as the ideal future planting months. It evaluated both historical and future simulations for the three selected crops adequately. The effectiveness of the EcoCrop as a tool for assessing projections for Nigeria's food security is shown by this study.