STUDY AREA

Description of the Study Area

Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka (NAU) is a Federal University established in 1991 and located in the south-eastern part of Nigeria, precisely, within a suburban environment in the Anambra State's Capital City of Awka. The spatial size of the NAU Awka campus is approximately 4.99 km2. The study area is situated on the geographic coordinates of 6°14'38.4"N and 7°07'18.7"E.

Vegetation of  the Study Area

Awka, which houses the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), is located within Nigeria's tropical rainforest zone. Situated in a fertile tropical valley, Awka has undergone changes in its landscape. The initial rainforest cover has diminished due to the expansion of agricultural practices and human settlements. Consequently, the area is now characterized by derived savannah grasslands, which have replaced the original primary tropical rainforest estates.

Climate of the Study Area

The study area in Awka experiences two distinct climatic seasons due to prevailing winds. The southwestern monsoon winds from the Atlantic Ocean and northeastern dry winds from the Sahara desert govern the region's weather patterns. The monsoon winds bring heavy tropical rains lasting six months, from April to July, with a short dry period in August (lasting one to two weeks). The rains then resume in September until October. This rainy season is followed by a dry period from November to March, marked by the Harmattan wind, known for its dry and dusty characteristics. The Harmattan brings a grey haze that limits visibility and blocks the sun's rays, typically intensifying from November to January. Extreme dry heat period occurs around February and March. The temperature in Awka is generally 27–30oC between May and January but rises to 32–34oC between February and April, with the last few months of  the dry season marked by intense heat.