Climate Challenge and Implications on Crop Storage: Comparative Analysis of Periodic Temperature and Relative Humidity in Ilorin, Nigeria

Abstract

The city of Ilorin (GPS Coordinate N08o27.286’ E004o33.248’) lies within the semi-savannah agricultural zone is hot sub-humid and humid tropical.The mean annual rainfall of the zone ranges from 800-2000mm with annual average of 187-220 rainy days. Crop storage in this zone like any other tropical zone depends to a large degree on prevailing temperature and relative humidity. Agboola (1982) posited that the moisture content of crops especially grains, pulses, oil seeds e.t.c which depends on prevailing relative humidity is required to be reduced to a minimum level known as “safe level” before such crops can be successfully stored. Temperature is also an important physical factor in crop storage. Most insects and micro-organisms have optimum temperatures at which they can grow, develop and reproduce or multiply abundantly. Temperature fluctuation causes condensation and moisture migration in Silos leading to extensive mould development and caking of grains stored resulting in heavy losses. He stated determined moisture content equilibrium for produce at 27oc temperature and 70% relative humidity.