Raji et al. (2026) Assessment of Drought Severity in Northern Nigeria Using Multi-Index Drought Indicators (1980–2023)

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Identification

• Journal: Science World Journal
• Year: 2026
• Date: 2026-09-29
• Authors: R.B. Raji, J.K. Aremu, A. Umar, O.A. Oluwole, A. Amao, B.B. Mustapha
• DOI: None

Research Groups

• Department of Geography, University of Abuja
• Nigerian Meteorological Agency

Short Summary

This study assessed the temporal, seasonal, and spatial characteristics of drought in Northern Nigeria from 1980 to 2023 using a multi-index approach, revealing pronounced variability in drought severity.

Objective

• Investigate the effects of multiple climate indices on drought dynamics in Northern Nigeria.

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: Regional scale (Northern Nigeria)
• Temporal Scale: Long-term (1980-2023)

Methodology and Data

• Models used: None mentioned, but Python and ArcGIS 10.4 were used for data analysis.
• Data sources:
  • TerraClimate dataset (precipitation, temperature, potential evapotranspiration, actual evapotranspiration, soil moisture, runoff)
  • Nigerian Meteorological Agency records (observed rainfall and temperature)

Main Results

• Pronounced temporal and spatial variability in drought severity, with severe drought conditions occurring during the early 1980s and intensifying after 2020.
• Near-normal conditions were the dominant drought class, but recurrent moderate-to-extreme drought events occurred throughout the study period.
• Spatial analysis identified persistent drought hotspots across the northwestern and southern parts of Northern Nigeria.

Contributions

• Integration of multiple drought indices provides a more reliable assessment of drought dynamics than a single indicator.

Funding

• This research was not funded by any specific project or program.

Citation

@article{Raji2026Assessment,
  author = {Raji, R.B. and Aremu, J.K. and Umar, A. and Oluwole, O.A. and Amao, A. and Mustapha, B.B.},
  title = {Assessment of Drought Severity in Northern Nigeria Using Multi-Index Drought Indicators (1980–2023)},
  journal = {Science World Journal},
  year = {2026},
  url = {https://openalex.org/W7216847661}
}