Climatic Variability and Performance of Small Scale Industries in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract

Climatic variability describes the short-term changes in climate that takes place over months, seasons and years in a particular environment. It looks at changes that occur in the earth's climate within smaller timeframes usually between a month and 5 years. The earth's climatic system exists in such a way that it supports human survival and development. Industrial development, which is a key factor to economic development functions at the mercy of climatic condition. In Ado Ekiti, small scale industries contribute immensely to the state's economy through the creation of jobs and revenue generation. This study assesses climatic variability in Ado-Ekiti vis-a-vis its relationship with performance of small scale industries in Ado-Ekiti. Climate data (temperature and rainfall) of Ado Ekiti was obtained from NIMET. Data on the influence of climatic variability on performance of small scale industries was collected from 50 small scale industries in Ado-Ekiti with at least 10 years of establishment. A significant variation was experienced in the annual mean rainfall received in Ado-Ekiti between 1996 and 2003 and also between 2011 and 2017 while only few variations were experienced on the mean temperature received with few notable fluctuations in 1998, 1999, 2002, 2010, 2014 and 2018. A significant relationship was also established between rainfall variability and performance of small scale industries while temperature variability has no significant relationship with performance of small scale industries in Ado-Ekiti. The variations in the amount of rainfall received significantly influence the availability of raw materials and level of patronage. There is therefore need to properly enlighten entrepreneurs on how to develop adapting strategies in the face of fluctuating climatic conditions.