Published in Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 25 ISSUE 3
Written by Governor Ekene OYITA, Bright Odafe IRHIVBEN, Dan Emokiniovo OYOBOH, Odjuvwuederhie Emmanuel INONI

This study ascertained how climate change affects cassava production in Nigeria. The study was done based on a 60-year dataset covering rainfall, temperature, relative humidity, and sunshine duration from 1963-2022, using multiple regression models, unit root, and co-integration tests for assessment of these climate variables' influence on the yield of cassava. The results indicated that temperature had the most substantial positive effect on cassava production (β=28,422,368.77, p=0.000), followed by relative humidity (coefficient = 147,217.28, p=0.000) and rainfall (β = 22,111.27, p=0.034). Sunshine duration, however, showed no significant effect (p=0.892). The model’s high R-squared value (0.705) supported its robustness, and diagnostic tests confirmed no issues with serial correlation or heteroskedasticity. These findings highlighted the vulnerability of cassava production to climate variability and suggested the need for adaptive measures to sustain agri-food system in Nigeria.

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