Assessment of Rainfall Variability and Its Impact on Smallholder Farming in Benue State

Rainfall variability remains one of the most pressing meteorological challenges affecting agricultural productivity across Nigeria's North Central zone. This study assesses the patterns of seasonal rainfall variability in Benue State and examines the resultant impacts on smallholder farming communities within the region. Using a descriptive research design, daily rainfall records from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) spanning 2018 to 2023 were analyzed alongside structured questionnaires administered to 200 smallholder farmers across three local government areas. Statistical tools including the Rainfall Anomaly Index (RAI) and coefficient of variation were employed to characterize temporal variability trends. Findings reveal a statistically significant decline in growing-season rainfall and an increase in dry spell frequency, contributing to reduced crop yields and food insecurity among subsistence farmers. The study further identifies inadequate access to seasonal weather forecasts as a critical barrier limiting farmer adaptation strategies. These findings underscore the urgent need for localized agrometeorological advisory services that bridge the gap between meteorological science and rural farming practice. Recommendations include the establishment of community-level weather stations and integration of NiMet seasonal outlook reports into extension service delivery frameworks. This research contributes baseline data for climate-smart agriculture planning in Benue State and provides a replicable framework for similar studies in Nigeria's food-belt region. Keywords: rainfall variability, smallholder farming, Benue State, agro-meteorology, food security.