GOMBE STATE FARMERS’ WEATHER GUIDE

by Akinmayowa Shobo | Aug 15, 2025 | Climate Justice, ejsd-Blog

🌧 GOMBE STATE FARMERS’ GUIDE 2025

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

RAINFALL DISTRIBUTION EXPLAINED

(Understanding Your Local Weather Pattern)

For Northern LGAs (Dukku, Funakaye, Nafada):

First Rains: June 12-17

Last Rains: October 14-16

Growing Days: 107-114 days

Total Rainfall: 606-633mm

For Central LGAs (Gombe, Akko, Yamaltu/Deba):

First Rains: May 30 – June 5

Last Rains: October 20-24

Growing Days: 125-140 days

Total Rainfall: 693-789mm

For Southern LGAs (Kaltungo, Shongom, Balanga):

First Rains: May 27-30

Last Rains: October 23-25

Growing Days: 134-139 days

Total Rainfall: 755-789mm

CROP ADVICE

(Tailored Recommendations for Major Crops)

1. Millet Cultivation

Planting Window: June 1-15 (immediately after rain onset)

Spacing: 25cm between plants, 75cm between rows

Critical Care: Thin seedlings 2 weeks after emergence

1. Sorghum Farming

Best Planting Period: June 1-20

Drought Management:

• Use early-maturing varieties (90-100 days)
• Apply mulch after planting

1. Cowpea Production

Planting Time: July (after millet/sorghum establishment)

Pest Control: Monitor for maruca pod borer weekly

1. Vegetable Gardening

Irrigation Strategy: Use water from shallow wells during dry spells

Recommended Crops:

Okra (plant June-July)

Spinach (plant August)

LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT GUIDE

(Adapting to the Short Rainy Season)

Cattle Herders:

Grazing Plan:

Northern areas: Move south by September

Reserve dry season grazing areas

Goat/Sheep Farmers:

Feed Preservation:

• Cut and store crop residues in August
• Establish fodder banks with drought-resistant species

Poultry Keepers:

• Heat Stress Mitigation:
• Provide shade and ventilation
• Offer cool drinking water 3x daily

CRITICAL WEATHER PERIODS

1. July Dry Spell

Expected Dates: July 10-25

Most Vulnerable Crops:

Flowering millet

Young sorghum

Protection Methods:

• Construct water harvesting structures
• Prioritize irrigation for high-value crops

1. Early Cessation Risk

Northern Areas: Prepare for rains ending by mid-October

Action Plan:

• Harvest crops at physiological maturity
• Preserve fodder early

MONTH-BY-MONTH FARMING CALENDAR

May-June (Planting):

• Clear and prepare fields
• Plant early millet/sorghum
• Establish water conservation systems

July-August (Maintenance):

• Weed control
• Pest monitoring
• Prepare for dry spell

September-October (Harvest):

• Harvest early-maturing crops
• Process and store grains
• Collect and store crop residues

November (Preparation):

• Prepare dry season gardens
• Repair farm tools
• Plan for next season

SECTION 5: WHERE TO GET HELP

NiMet Gombe Office:

📞 Mr. Gayus Musa

☎️ 08060941794 

📧 musaglamela@gmail.com

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

Remember:

• Share this information with fellow farmers
• Call for help if you notice unusual weather
• Attend local agriculture extension meetings
• Ask Questions: If you don’t understand something, call the NiMet number.
• For farmers in riverine areas, prepare for possible floods
• All farmers – watch for the August break

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 Gombe state