Submit your papersSubmit Now
For Enquiries: [email protected]
IIARD LogoIIARD

Baseline Temperature Dynamics and Potential Implications on Food Security in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Iheoma M Adekunle and Isaac U. Isaac

Abstract

Temperature variation is a vital environmental factor influencing soil biochemical processes, crop growth, productivity and overall food security, especially in climate-vulnerable regions like Bayelsa State, Nigeria. This study established baseline temperature dynamics through real-time monitoring in Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area as a pilot location; comparing indoor (Screen House) and outdoor (Open-Air) environments across dry and wet seasons, in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings to capture diurnal and seasonal variations. Across all conditions, the highest recorded temperature was 41.3°C. Results showed a consistent diurnal pattern (morning < evening < afternoon) with higher peaks and wider fluctuations indoors during the dry season, while the wet season exhibited lower, more stable values. These variations have potential influence on soil biochemical processes, microbial activity, nutrient cycling, crop performance pest and disease prevalence. Consequently, shifts in temperature dynamics can affect yield stability, post-harvest quality and overall food system resilience. The study emphasizes the importance of localized, real-time temperature monitoring for precision and adoption of climate- smart practices to enhance food security and environmental sustainability in Bayelsa State. Its originality lies in establishing region-specific temperature baselines that provide critical data for climate adaptation, research and food security strategies in the Niger Delta region.

Keywords

Baseline temperature dynamicsScreen HouseOpen-AirClimate-smart crop

References

Asseng, S., Ewert, F., Martre, P., Rötter, R. P., Lobell, D. B., Cammarano, D., Kimball, B. A., Ottman, M. J., Wall, G. W., White, J. W., Reynolds, M. P., Alderman, P. D., Prasad, P. V. V., Aggarwal, P. K., Anothai, J., Basso, B., Biernath, C., Challinor, A. J., De Sanctis, G., ... Zhu, Y. (2015). Rising temperatures reduce global wheat production. Nature Climate Change, 5(2), 143–147. https://doi.org/10.1038/nclimate2470 Chavan, S. G., Duursma, R. A., Tausz, M., & Ghannoum, O. (2019). Elevated CO? alleviates the negative impact of heat stress on wheat photosynthesis: A review. Functional Plant Biology, 46(3), 253–266. https://doi.org/10.1071/FP18077 Fahad, S., Bajwa, A. A., Nazir, U., Anjum, S. A., Farooq, A., Zohaib, A., Sadia, S., Nasim, W., Adkins, S., Saud, S., Ihsan, M. Z., Alharby, H., Wu, C., Wang, D., & Huang, J. (2017). Crop production under drought and heat stress: Plant responses and management options. Frontiers in Plant Science, 8, 1147. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2017.01147 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). (2023). The impact of disasters and crises on agriculture and food security: Rome: FAO. https://doi.org/10.4060/cc6717en Hu, T., Li, Y., Zhao, C., & Wang, X. (2024). Climate change impacts on crop yields: A global review and meta-analysis. Environmental Research Letters, 19(2), https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ad1e02 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2022). Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability (Sixth Assessment Report, Working Group II). Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009325844 Moore, C. E., Meacham-Hensold, K., Lemonnier, P., Slattery, R. A., Benjamin, C., Bernacchi, C. J., & Lawson, T. (2021). The effect of increasing temperature on crop photosynthesis. Plant, Cell & Environment, 44(8), 2539–2553. https://doi.org/10.1111/pce.14067 Odionkhare, K.T and Efe, S (2020): Climate Change Vulnerability on the Inhabitants of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Journal of Management and Social Science Research 1(1/2):54-65, DOI:10.47524/jmssr.11.7 Olali, K, Nwagozie, I.L., Ikebude, C.F (2025). Climate Variability in Temperature Trends and Change Point in Yenagoa, Nigeria. International Journal of Environment and Climate Change 15(3):244-256. DOI:10.9734/ijecc/2025/v15i34770 Okon, E, M., Falana, B. M., Solaja, S.O., Yakubu, S.O., Aalabi, O. O., Okikiola, B.T., Awe, Adesina, B.T., Tokula, B.E., Kipchumba, A.K ., Edeme, A.B (2021): Systematic review of climate change impact research in Nigeria: implication for sustainable development Heliyon, 7(9):e07941. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07941 Okoro, E.O and Ofordu, C.S (2025): Rainfall and Temperature Trends in Ogbia Local Government Area Bayelsa State, Nigeria from 1993 To 2023. Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, 29 (2). Zhao, C., Liu, B., Piao, S., Wang, X., Lobell, D. B., Huang, Y., Huang, M., Yao, Y., Bassu, S., Ciais, P., Durand, J.-L., Elliott, J., Ewert, F., Janssens, I. A., Li, T., Lin, E., Liu, Q., Martre, P., Müller, C., Asseng, S. (2017). Temperature increase reduces global yields of major crops in four independent estimates. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 114(35), 9326–9331. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1701762114

More Articles from IIARD INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT