SOKOTO STATE FARMERS’ WEATHER GUIDE 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction

This information is sourced from the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction produced by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) Analysis by: HEDA Resource Centre

🌧 SOKOTO STATE FARMERS’ GUIDE 2025

This guide explains exactly what this year’s weather means for your crops, fish ponds and livestock.

UNDERSTANDING THIS YEAR’S RAIN PATTERN

For Farmers Across Sokoto State:

This year, the rains will come late and finish early. The first showers will appear around late June to early July, but these early rains often trick farmers. Wait until you see steady rains for at least three days in a row – this proper rainy season will likely start between July 10-15. Once the rains begin properly, you’ll only have about 80 to 100 days before they stop completely around early October.

The rains will not be evenly spread. There will be:

A very hot, dry period around August 1-10 when crops suffer most

Gradually decreasing rains through September

A sudden end to the rains in early October

 

What This Means for Your Farming:

Because the growing season is so short, you must act quickly when the proper rains come. Prepare your fields now during the dry season so you’re ready to plant immediately when the steady rains arrive. Choose crops that grow fast and can handle dry conditions. The most dangerous time will be early August when the hot sun burns strongest – your crops will need special care then.

GROWING CROPS IN SHORT SEASON

Millet

Millet is the best crop for Sokoto’s short rains. 

When the steady rains come in July:

• Clear your field completely and loosen the soil

• Plant seeds about the length of your hand apart

• When plants reach your knee height, remove some to give space

• At flowering time (about 6 weeks after planting), watch for birds

The hot period in early August will test your millet. Before this time, collect dry grass and spread it between your plants to keep the soil moist. If you have any water, give just enough to help plants through this difficult time.

Sorghum

Sorghum also does well here. Plant it at the same time as millet but give more space between plants – about as wide as your outstretched arms. The red-colored sorghum handles dry weather better than white varieties. When the grains start forming, birds will come. Children can help scare them away, or you can tie old shiny cans on strings around the field.

Cowpea

Wait about two weeks after planting millet before sowing cowpea. This gives time for the soil to be properly wet. Plant the seeds about two normal steps apart. The secret with cowpea is to pick the pods every three days once they start coming – this makes the plants produce more. Dry the beans completely in the sun before storing.

 

CARING FOR LIVESTOCK THROUGH THE SEASONS

Cattle and Small Animals

During the short rainy season:

• Let animals graze on the fresh grass but watch them carefully

• Check animals daily for ticks, especially under the belly and behind ears

• Provide clean water daily – animals need more when it’s hot

As the rains end in September:

• Start cutting grass and drying it for dry season feed

• Collect crop leftovers like millet stalks and store them

• Identify water holes that won’t dry up completely

Chickens and Domestic Birds

• The heat is hardest on poultry:

• Build shaded areas where birds can escape the sun

• Change their water at least twice daily – morning and evening

• Collect eggs early before the sun gets too hot

CRITICAL PERIODS AND HOW TO SURVIVE THEM

Early August – The Dangerous Hot Days

This 10-day period may be the hardest test for your crops:

• Spread dry grass thickly around all plants

• If you have any water, give small amounts to most valuable crops

• Remove weeds that steal precious moisture

September

As rains become unreliable:

• Start harvesting crops as soon as they’re ready – don’t wait

• Begin gathering and storing grass for animal feed

• Select the best seeds from your harvest for next year

Early October

When rains stop completely:

• Finish all harvesting immediately

• Store grains in tight containers protected from pests

• Prepare dry season gardens near any water sources

 

SECTION 5: WHERE TO GET HELP

NiMet Sokoto Office:

📞 Mr. A. Dauda

☎️ 08054427418, 09092359315

📧 a.dauda@nimet.gov.ng

🌍 To download the SCP 2025, visit NiMet website: https://www.nimet.gov.ng/scp

 

Remember:

For accurate weather updates and early warnings, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency has a dedicated contact for your state. You can reach their office during working hours for the most current forecasts and advice.

If you encounter problems with your crops, the state agriculture department has extension officers stationed across all local government areas. 

Keep careful track of important dates and activities by marking them on a calendar or in a notebook. Note when you planted each crop, when you fertilized, and any problems you observed. This record will help you plan better next season.

Work together with other farmers in your area. Form small groups to share labor during busy periods, exchange information about what’s working, and watch for early signs of trouble in each other’s fields.

Most importantly, stay alert to changes in your environment. Notice if insects appear that you haven’t seen before, or if plants show unusual symptoms. The earlier you spot potential problems, the easier they are to manage.

Remember that farming in Ondo State requires both traditional knowledge and willingness to adapt to changing conditions. Use this information, combine it with your own experience, and may the coming year bring you good harvests and healthy animals.

 

Social Media

X: @nimetnigeria

LinkedIn, Facebook, Youtube: @Nigerian Meteorological Agency

Instagram: officialnimetng

 

Summary of Predicted Onset Date, Cessation Date, Length of Season and Annual Rainfall Amounts for States and Local Government Areas for Sokoto state

LGA	Start Date	End Date	Rainy Days	Annual Rainfall (mm)
Binji	7-Jul	29-Sep	72	525
Bodinga	2-Jul	1-Oct	79	510
Dange -Shuni	2-Jul	1-Oct	79	511
Gada	14-Jul	25-Sep	61	558
Goronyo	10-Jul	27-Sep	68	535
Gudu	11-Jul	26-Sep	65	541
Gwadabawa	11-Jul	26-Sep	66	557
Illela	14-Jul	25-Sep	61	527
Isa	8-Jul	28-Sep	71	527
Kebbe	19-Jun	8-Oct	100	509
Kware	6-Jul	29-Sep	73	522
Rabah	5-Jul	28-Sep	75	518
Sabon Bimi	12-Jul	26-Sep	64	546
Shagari	27-Jun	4-Oct	86	504
Silame	4-Jul	30-Sep	76	516
Sokoto North	5-Jul	29-Sep	74	519
Sokoto South	5-Jul	30-Sep	75	518
Tambuwal	25-Jul	5-Oct	90	503
Tangaza	12-Jul	26-Sep	64	545
Tureta	28-Jun	4-Oct	86	504
Wamako	5-Jul	30-Sep	75	518
Wurno	8-Jul	28-Sep	70	530
Yabo	1-Jul	2-Oct	81	508