13/03/2026
*The 2026 June–August dry spell forecast by Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) indicates varying intensity across ecological zones. Risk exposure differs by region; therefore, mitigation must be zone-specific and climate-smart.*
Below is a structured advisory by zone:
🔴 1. Severe Dry Spell Zone (Brown Areas)
States: Parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Jigawa, Kano, Yobe, Borno, Niger, Kwara, Bauchi, Gombe.
Key Risks
Prolonged mid-season drought
Crop moisture stress and wilting
Reduced grain filling in cereals
Livestock pasture shortage
Recommended Actions
A. Crop Strategy
Plant early-maturing and drought-tolerant varieties:
Millet (SOSAT-C88)
Sorghum (SAMSORG series)
Early maize (90-day varieties)
Cowpea (SAMPEA series)
Avoid late planting.
Practice staggered planting to spread risk.
B. Soil & Water Management
Adopt zai pits, tied ridges, contour bunding.
Use mulching to conserve soil moisture.
Encourage water harvesting (farm ponds, earth dams).
Small-scale irrigation where feasible (solar pumps).
C. Livestock
Store hay and crop residues now.
Reduce herd size strategically (destocking weak animals).
Provide supplementary feeding.
🟡 2. Moderate Dry Spell Zone (Yellow Areas)
States: Kaduna, Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Taraba, Adamawa, Oyo, parts of FCT, Kogi.
Key Risks
Temporary rainfall breaks (2–3 weeks)
Flowering-stage moisture stress
Yield reduction if unmanaged
Recommended Actions
A. Crop Planning
Use drought-resilient hybrids.
Intercrop cereals with legumes (maize + cowpea).
Increase plant spacing slightly to reduce competition.
B. Agronomic Practices
Apply organic manure to improve water retention.
Use conservation agriculture (minimum tillage).
Timely weeding to reduce moisture competition.
C. Irrigation Backup
Develop shallow wells/stream diversion for emergency irrigation.
Community water-sharing systems.
🟢 3. Mild Dry Spell Zone (Green Areas – Southern Nigeria)
States: Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa
