Assessing the impacts of temperature and rainfall variation on rice yield at nkhate irrigation scheme in Chikwawa District.

Abstract

Background: Climate change is one of the biggest global crises, affecting all nations, particularly in Africa. Many African countries, including Malawi, rely on rain-fed agriculture, making them highly vulnerable to climate variations. Malawi’s economy depends on agriculture, and any climatic change significantly impacts productivity. The Nkhate rice scheme in Chikhwawa district, located in Livunzu EPA, experiences high temperatures and low annual rainfall. The scheme relies on water from the Nkhate River, which is prone to low levels in the dry season, limiting cultivation. Temperature and rainfall play a crucial role in crop production, as different crops require specific climate conditions. Method: This study assesses the impact of temperature and rainfall variations on rice yield at Nkhate rice scheme. The specific objectives include: (1) assessing rainfall and temperature trends in Livunzu EPA, (2) evaluating the annual rice yield at the scheme, and (3) correlating temperature and rainfall variations with rice yield. The study focused only on Nkhate rice scheme, employing trend analysis for minimum and maximum temperature, rainfall, and rice yield over 11 years. Findings: The results indicate fluctuations in minimum and maximum temperatures over the past 11 years. Regression and correlation analyses reveal a weak correlation between rainfall and rice yield, while no significant relationship was found between minimum and maximum temperatures and yield. Conclusion: The study concludes that rainfall variations have a limited impact on rice yield, and temperature changes show no significant correlation with yield at Nkhate rice scheme. Novelty/Originality of this Study: This study provides insight into climate variability and its influence on rice production at Nkhate rice scheme, emphasizing the weak correlation between rainfall and yield and the lack of a significant relationship between temperature fluctuations and rice production.