International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue X, October 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186

Rainfall Distribution over Ghana: The Effect of Distance from the Sea

Boateng, G., Asuah, M. G., Kyeremeh, E., Otoo, K. A., & Otoo, E.A
Berekum College of Education, Berekum, Ghana

Abstract: Rainfall is a major determinant of agricultural production in any agro-ecological zone across the world. Its seasonal and annual characteristics such as onset and intra-seasonal rainfall distributions are characterized by marked fluctuations which pose a lot of challenge to forecast. Access and uptake of seasonal and intra-seasonal forecasts is crucial in decision making among all stakeholders especially the farmer whose activities is greatly influenced by rainfall onset and distribution. This study sought to analyse the extent to which distance from the sea (source of moisture) influence rainfall distribution in the country in time and in space. The data for the study was obtained from GMeT from 1982 -2012. The thirty-one-year data from twenty-two rainfall stations (synoptic) were used to derive the mean averages and simple linear regression. The study concluded statistically that distance from the sea has no effect on rainfall distribution in the country. It was therefore recommended that a combination of factors could be considered to actually understand the driving force of rainfall amount that actually occurs at a particular location within the country.

Key words: rainfall, distance from the sea, synoptic stations, south west monsoons

I. INTRODUCTION

Rainfall is a major determinant of agricultural production in any agro-ecological zone anywhere in the world. Its seasonal and annual characteristics such as the onset and intra-seasonal rainfall distribution that promote good crop yields are, however, characterized by marked fluctuations. For instance in Puerto Rico lower soil water content and increases in the relative crop yield reduction were associated with increasing rainfall deficits mostly in the dry seasons (Harmsen, Miller, Schlegel, &Gonzalez, 2009). In Ecuador, rainfall is characterised by short, frequent low volumes. A strong daily variation exist with most rainfall occurring in the afternoon. There is considerable rainfall variation between the wet and dry seasons with a difference of 100 mm. A remarkable spatial variation in rainfall distribution exist at distances of less than 4000 m. Average daily rainfall within this range differs more than 25%. (Buytaert, Celleri, Willems, De Bie`vre, & Wyseure, 2006). Several studies have reported variability in rainfall across Africa.