Agro-Climato-Edaphic Zonation of Nigeria for a Cassava Cultivar using GIS-Based Analysis of Data from 1961 to 2017

To investigate the optimal cultivation conditions for cassava cultivar (TMS98/0505) in Nigeria, we employed agro-ecological zoning to delineate the cultivated lands. Using GIS-based multi-criteria analysis, we researched the influence of some meteorological and soil parameters on the clone cultivation. From the multiple-parameter climato-edaphic zoning map, an average yield of 26 t ha(-1) was estimated. The dry Rainforest and southern Guinea Savanna account for 80% of the favorable zones. However, with irrigation, the cultivar would yield optimally in the northern marginal zones. Further, the significant climatic parameters are sunshine hour (t=3.292, alpha =0.0064) and rainfall (t=2.100, alpha =0.0575). Thus, the potentials of a location for cassava cultivation in Nigeria largely depend on the soil conditions, sunshine hour, and rainfall. Generally, the cassava yield correlates strongly (+0.88) with the suitability map. Considering future climate variability based on the annual rainfall data, we projected an average annual rainfall range of 565-3,193mm between 2070 and 2099. Likewise, the projected range of daily temperature for 2046-2100 is 24.57-31.94 degrees C. Consequently, with currently allotted farmlands, Nigeria can double her current cassava production through soil fertility enhancement and irrigation.