Overview of the Trend of Climate Change and Its Effects on Cocoa Production in Nigeria

In the recent time, the issue of climatic change and its resultant effect on mankind has become a global phenomenon. This study found it quite imperative to examine the trend at which the changes take place and the implication of the changes on cocoa output. Data on climatic elements such as rainfall, temperature, humidity as well as cocoa output were collected. The data were analysed with descriptive statistics, regression analysis and correlation analysis. The heaviest rainfall was recorded between 1990-1994 while the highest temperature was recorded between 1995-1999. There was a sharp decrease in rainfall and sharp increase in temperature between 1995-1999. Between the period 1980-1994, rainfall kept on increasing while temperature kept on decreasing during the same period. There was a sharp decrease in humidity between 1980-1989. The result of regression analysis shows that rainfall and humidity significantly affected cocoa output while temperature did not. There was a significant correlation between cocoa output and rainfall as well as cocoa output and humidity. The study however recommended that in as much that rainfall significantly affected cocoa output, irrigation facility should be provided to make water available especially during the dry season. This will make water to always be available year round and this will boost cocoa production.