Content analysis of Hydrometeorological Network in the Lower Benue River Basin, Nigeria.

This study deals with content analysis of hydrometerological networks in the Lower Benue River Basin, Nigeria. This is with the overall aim of determining the effectiveness of the network in terms of providing useful data for agricultural planning. The study examines the type of stations in the river basin, the type of equipment available in each station, the frequency of observation, and the range of weather elements measured as well as the utilitarian value of the networks for agricultural research and environmental panning and management. To realize this, a total of 30 out of 48 hydrometerological stations in the river basin were analyzed. The results of the analysis show among other things that, complete data were very hard to come by, and so much interpolation had to be done. Thus important hydrometerological information relevant to agricultural planning are missing. Also that the existing spatial distribution of the networks has been found to be highly inadequate in some parts of the river basin. Finally, only the synoptic stations have little relevance of agricultural production. The study concludes by recommending a wide range of measures to improve the quality of the networks to ensure sustainable agricultural production and planning in the region. @ JASEM