Flow and Flux: Investigating Rainfall Patterns and Water Table Variability in the Hadejia-Nguru River Floodplains, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated rainfall patterns and water table variability in the Hadejia-Nguru river floodplains in Northeastern Nigeria. The study utilizes a combination of quantitative and qualitative data from primary and secondary sources. The data for this study includes rainfall data collected from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the Hadejia-Jama'are River Basin Development Authority from 2000 to 2015, published reports and studies. The study discovers that the region experiences two distinct peaks of rainfall throughout the year, resulting in a bimodal distribution. However, the rainfall pattern exhibits high variability between years, which can have implications for agricultural practices and food security. The study also emphasized the importance of understanding the geology, aquifers, and recharge mechanisms in managing water resources effectively. The dynamics between rainfall and the water table in the floodplains were highlighted as essential for sustainable resource management and adaptation strategies. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between rainfall and water availability in wetland ecosystems and have implications for wetland management, conservation, and sustainable resource utilization. The probabilistic modeling and forecasting framework employed in this research offer decision-makers a systematic approach to managing water resources, evaluating risks and uncertainties, and guiding planning activities amidst a changing climate and dynamic wetland ecosystem.