OYO STATE FARMERS’ WEATHER GUIDE

by Akinmayowa Shobo | Aug 26, 2025 | Climate Justice, ejsd-Blog

🌧 OYO STATE FARMERS’ GUIDE 2025

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

RAIN PATTERNS: WHAT TO EXPECT IN YOUR AREA

For Farmers in Southern Oyo (Ibadan, Egbeda, Ido):

Your rains will begin between April 13-17, starting with light showers that gradually become steadier. The first planting rains typically arrive around April 20, when the soil has absorbed enough moisture to support seeds. The season will last until November 20-23, giving you about 210 days of growing time. You will receive 1,400-1,500mm of rainfall, but beware – the heavy downpours in June and September can quickly flood low-lying fields if proper drainage isn’t maintained.

For Farmers in Northern Oyo (Saki, Iseyin, Okeho):

Your rains will start slightly later, between April 17-20, and end earlier around November 15-18. This gives you a shorter 195-205 day growing season with 1,300-1,400mm of rain. The August break around July 28-August 8 will be particularly challenging here, as your crops will be at peak water needs during this dry spell. The sandy soils in this zone dry out faster, so water conservation methods are crucial.

What This Means for All Farmers:

The early rains in April may tempt you to plant immediately, but experienced farmers know to wait for the soil to warm up properly. Test the soil by squeezing a handful – if it holds together without dripping, it’s ready for planting. The heavy September rains often coincide with when maize and cassava are maturing, so plan your harvests carefully to avoid losses.

CROP MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

Cassava

For cassava farmers across Oyo State, the planting window runs from April 20 to May 10. Prepare your fields by making mounds about 30cm high and 75cm apart – this spacing allows for proper growth and makes weeding easier. When selecting stems for planting, choose those that are thumb-thick and free from disease marks. Cut them into 25cm lengths and plant at a 45-degree angle for better sprouting.

The critical period for your cassava is the first 12 weeks after planting. Weed carefully when the plants are about 15cm tall (ankle height), and again when they reach 45cm (knee height). During the August break, your 3-4 month old cassava will be vulnerable – spread dry grass mulch around the plants to conserve moisture. Watch carefully for cassava mosaic disease, especially in September when whitefly populations peak. If you notice stunted growth or yellow leaf patterns, remove affected plants immediately.

The ideal maize planting period is April 25 to May 5 in southern areas and April 20-30 in northern zones. Prepare your seedbeds by tilling the soil to about hand-depth (15cm) and mixing in well-rotted manure if available. Plant seeds about 2.5cm deep, spacing them 25cm apart in rows 75cm apart. This spacing allows for proper air circulation and makes pest control easier.

About two weeks after emergence, when plants are 15-20cm tall, apply the first round of fertilizer. The August break will hit when your maize is tasseling – its most water-sensitive stage. 

Prepare for this by:

• Mulching heavily in early July

• Having water containers ready for emergency irrigation

• Thinning plants to reduce competition for moisture

• For second planting, wait until August 10-15 when the rains return reliably. Avoid planting after August 25 as the crop may not mature properly before season’s end.

Vegetables: High Value, High Care

Tomato and pepper farmers should start nurseries in early March under partial shade. Use raised seedbeds with well-drained soil to prevent damping-off disease. Transplant seedlings when they have 4-6 true leaves, typically in late April. Space plants 50cm apart in rows 75cm apart, and stake them early with 1.5m bamboo poles.

• The humid conditions in June-September make vegetables prone to fungal diseases. Prevent this by:

• Watering at the base of plants, not on leaves

• Spraying weekly with a baking soda solution (1 tablespoon per liter)

Removing infected leaves immediately

Okra requires less care but strict harvesting discipline. From first production in June until season’s end, harvest pods every other day without fail. Leaving mature pods on the plant signals it to stop producing. Select seeds from your best-performing plants – choose straight, unblemished pods about 15cm long.

LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT THROUGH THE SEASONS

Poultry

The May-October humid period requires special attention to poultry housing. Build coops with good ventilation – the ideal is wire mesh walls with overhanging roofs to keep rain out. Paint roofs white to reflect heat, and consider adding shade nets during peak heat.

For layers, maintain consistent lighting for 16 hours daily. Use simple solar-powered bulbs if electricity is unreliable. Collect eggs at least twice daily – morning and evening – to prevent breakage and keep them clean. During the September disease peak, add crushed garlic to drinking water (2 cloves per 10 liters) to boost immunity.

Broilers need extra care in the humid months. Reduce stocking density by 20% to allow better air circulation. Provide cool, clean water constantly, and consider adding vitamins to their feed during stress periods.

Goat and Sheep

• The rainy season brings abundant forage but also increased parasite loads. Build raised pens with slatted floors at least 50cm off the ground. This keeps animals dry and allows waste to fall through. During peak worm season (June-September), practice cut-and-carry feeding rather than free grazing to reduce parasite intake.

• Deworm all animals every 3 months without fail. The most effective timing is: late March (before rains), late June, late September, early December

• As the dry season approaches in October, start planting drought-resistant fodder like Centrosema around pens. These “living barns” will provide emergency feed when natural grasses dry up.

Fish Farming: Seasonal Adjustments

Prepare ponds thoroughly in February/March by:

• Draining completely
• Liming (1kg per 10m²)
• Sun-drying for at least 2 weeks

Stock fingerlings in late April when water temperatures stabilize. Feed at consistent times – once in mid-morning after dew dries, and again in late afternoon. Adjust amounts based on water clarity – if water becomes murky, reduce feeding by 30%.

The heavy September rains may cause ponds to overflow. Lower water levels slightly in advance, and keep harvest nets ready. Consider partial harvests if water levels rise dangerously.

CRITICAL DANGER PERIODS

July 28-August 8: The August Break

This 10 to 14 day dry spell will test all your farming systems. For crops:

• Complete major weeding by July 20

• Spread 5-10cm of dry grass mulch around plants

• Have water containers ready for emergency irrigation

For livestock:

• Check and repair all feed storage areas

• Ensure clean water access points

• Inspect housing for leaks

September 1-20: Disease Explosion Period

The combination of returning rains and heat creates ideal conditions for diseases. For crops:

• Watch out for disease signs

• Remove and burn infected plants immediately

• Spray preventatively with natural fungicides

For poultry:

• Disinfect coops weekly

• Isolate sick birds immediately

• Add immune boosters to water

For fish:

• Reduce feeding by 30%

• Monitor oxygen levels closely

• Be ready to change water if needed

October Heavy Rains

As crops mature, the October rains pose new threats:

• Harvest cassava and maize before October 10

• Store grains in airtight containers with neem leaves

• Clear all drainage channels around fields and pens

• Move animals to higher ground if flooding threatens

SECTION 5: WHERE TO GET HELP

NiMet Oyo Office:

📞 Mr. Udoh Emmanuel

☎️ 08060059599, 08151972160

📧 e.udoh@nimet.gov.ng, nueludoh41@gmail.com 

🌍 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.

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