Water availability in a Nigerian sub-catchment of River Niger and its implications for food security

ABSTRACT

This study aims at assessing runoff characteristics and water availability between 1955 and 2019 in the Nigerian sub-catchment of River Niger upstream of Baro, central Nigeria, and the implication for food security in the nation. The discharge regime of the sub-catchment is characterized by single peak, which occurs in September. The sub-catchment’s runoff coefficient ranged between 23% and 32% for the period 1955−1970; 9% and 22% for 1971–1990; 45% and 55% for 1994–1999; and 15–33% for 2000–2019. The study observed a decline in river flow and water availability due to climate variability. This indicates impending problems of water crises and food insecurity.

KEYWORDS:

• Water availability
• River Niger
• Nigerian sub-catchment
• food security

Acknowledgments

This study is prepared from an M.Sc. project research under the Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and funded by the African Union Commission.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute and the African Union Commission.

Notes on contributors

Rotimi Oluseyi Obateru

Rotimi O. Obateru is an assistant lecturer at the Department of Geography and Planning Sciences, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria. He obtained a Master of Science degree in Environmental Management at the Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, in May 2021.

Olayinka O. Ogunkoya is a Professor of Geography at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. He specializes in fluvial geomorphology and hydrology.

Dickson ’D. Ajayi is a Professor of Geography at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. He specializes in environmental management and regional development.