ZAMFARA STATE FARMERS’ WEATHER GUIDE

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

🌧 ZAMFARA STATE FARMERS’ GUIDE 2025

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

WHEN THE RAINS WILL COME AND GO

Northern Zamfara (Anka, Bukkuyum, Maru LGAs):

Rains start: Between June 16 and June 20

Rains end: Between October 7 and October 9

Total growing days: 95 to 102 days (just over 3 months)

Total rainfall: 600mm to 710mm (much less than southern states)

What this means for you:

Plant immediately when steady rains begin. If you wait too long, your crops won’t have enough time to grow before the rains stop.

Use fast-growing crops like early-maturing millet (90 days) or drought-resistant sorghum.

After planting, cover the soil with dry grass, leaves, or straw. This keeps the soil moist when dry days come.

Central Zamfara (Gusau, Bungudu, Tsafe LGAs):

Rains start: Between June 18 and June 22

Rains end: Between October 6 and October 8

Total growing days: 92 to 97 days

Total rainfall: 604mm to 610mm

What this means for you:

Expect 10 to 15 dry days in July and August. Save rainwater in pits, containers, or small ponds.

Weed your farm at least twice. Weeds steal water and nutrients from your crops.

Southern Zamfara (Gummi, Shinkafi LGAs):

Rains start: Between June 19 and July 4

Rains end: Between September 29 and October 1

Total growing days: 72 to 84 days (shortest in the state)

Total rainfall: 603mm to 708mm

What this means for you:

Your farming season is very short. Plant as soon as the rains are steady.

Avoid slow-growing crops like maize. Stick to sorghum, millet, and cowpeas that mature quickly.

2. BEST CROPS TO PLANT AND HOW TO GROW THEM

For All Areas of Zamfara:

Millet:

Best planting time: June 10 to June 25

Before planting, soak seeds in clean water overnight. This helps them sprout faster.

Space plants 75cm (2.5 feet) apart. This gives them enough room to grow.

When dry spells come (July/August), cover the soil with dry grass to keep moisture in.

Sorghum:

Plant at the same time as millet (June 10–25).

Choose red sorghum varieties. They handle dry weather better than white ones.

After 2 months, birds will come to eat the grains. Tie shiny plastic strips or old CDs to scare them away.

For Central & Southern Zamfara (areas with 90+ growing days):

Cowpeas:

Plant in early July, after your millet and sorghum are already growing.

Pick the pods every 3 days. This makes the plant produce more.

Dry the beans completely in the sun before storing. If they are not fully dry, they will rot.

3. HOW TO PROTECT YOUR ANIMALS

For Cattle Owners:

Grass will dry up by early October. Start moving your animals southward in September where there is more grass.

Store crop residues (sorghum stalks, groundnut leaves) now. Use them as feed during the dry season.

For Goat and Sheep Owners:

March to May (hottest months):

Provide shade using mats, branches, or makeshift shelters.

Give clean water at least 3 times a day. Add a pinch of salt to help them stay healthy.

For Poultry Farmers:

Paint chicken coops white to reflect heat.

Add extra water containers—birds drink more in hot weather.

Reduce the number of birds per cage. Overcrowding makes them weak.

4. DANGEROUS PERIODS TO WATCH FOR

July 15–30 (Dry Spell):

There will be 15+ days with little or no rain.

Crops planted in June will suffer if not protected.

What to do now:

Collect dry grass and spread it around crops (mulching).

Save rainwater in pits or containers for emergency watering.

September (Harvest Time):

Do not wait too long to harvest. Late harvest can lead to grain loss.

Millet: Harvest when grains are hard (like uncooked rice).

Sorghum: Harvest when the heads start to droop.

SECTION 5: WHERE TO GET HELP

NiMet Zamfara Office:

📞 Mr. Umar Farouk

☎️ 08032897645

📧 f.umar@nimet.gov.ng, farukumar3289@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.

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 Zamfara state