The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has commenced a training programme for agricultural extension professionals aimed at expanding the reach and impact of climate services across Nigeria’s farming communities.
The 10-day Training of Trainers workshop on Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension (CRMAE), organised in collaboration with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), is designed to equip extension providers with the skills needed to translate climate information into practical guidance for farmers and strengthen climate-resilient agriculture nationwide.
The workshop, holding in Abuja from July 6 to 17, is part of an Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA)-supported initiative focused on strengthening digital climate advisory services and building resilient agricultural systems across the continent.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Charles Anosike, said climate variability and extreme weather events continue to pose significant threats to agricultural productivity, food security and rural livelihoods.
According to him, farmers across the country increasingly face challenges such as erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged dry spells, flooding, heat stress, pest infestations and other climate-related shocks.
He stressed the need to ensure that climate information is transformed into actionable advice that can support farmers in making informed decisions.
“Training trainers will multiply the quality, reach and impact of climate services across Nigeria’s agricultural landscape,” Anosike said.
The NiMet boss reiterated the agency’s commitment to providing weather and climate services that support planning, early warning systems and decision-making in weather-sensitive sectors, particularly agriculture.
He described agricultural extension officers as a critical bridge between climate science and on-farm decision-making, helping farmers make informed choices on planting periods, crop selection, water management, soil conservation and disaster preparedness.
Anosike noted that the Nigeria-adapted Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension curriculum would enable extension and advisory service providers to integrate climate services more effectively into support programmes for smallholder farmers.
He urged participants to actively engage in knowledge-sharing, strengthen professional networks and transfer the skills acquired during the training to farmer groups, cooperatives and rural communities across the country.
In his goodwill message, Dr. Kelvi Shikuku of the International Livestock Research Institute commended NiMet for hosting the workshop and praised the agency’s efforts in strengthening climate services in Nigeria.
Also speaking, the lead facilitator from the Stockholm Environmental Institute, Dr. Tufa Dinku, highlighted the importance of the CRMAE curriculum and expressed confidence in NiMet’s capacity to drive its full implementation in Nigeria.
Anosike further thanked development partners, facilitators and participating institutions for their support towards promoting climate-resilient agriculture, improving food security and advancing sustainable development across the country.
