NiMet trains agricultural extension officers to improve climate risk management

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), in collaboration with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), has commenced a 10-day Training of Trainers workshop on Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension (CRMAE) aimed at equipping agricultural extension providers with the knowledge and skills to deliver climate information that supports resilient and sustainable farming across Nigeria.

According to a statement signed by the agency on Monday, the workshop, taking place in Abuja from July 6 to July 17, is part of an African Green Revolution Forum (AGRA) target-countries initiative designed to strengthen digital climate advisory services and build climate-resilient agricultural systems across the continent.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Charles Anosike, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, said increasing climate variability and extreme weather events continue to threaten agricultural productivity, food security and the livelihoods of millions of rural households, making it imperative to strengthen the capacity of those who work directly with farmers.

“Nigerian farmers are increasingly confronted with irregular rainfall patterns, prolonged dry spells, heat stress, flooding, pest outbreaks and other climate-related shocks, highlighting the need to convert scientific weather and climate information into practical advice that supports farm-level decision-making,” he said

According to Anosike, NiMet remains committed to providing weather and climate services that enhance planning, early warning and informed decision-making across weather-sensitive sectors, particularly agriculture.

He described agricultural extension officers as the critical link between climate science and the day-to-day decisions farmers make on planting dates, crop selection, water and soil management, input application and disaster preparedness.

“Training trainers will multiply the quality, reach and impact of climate services across Nigeria’s agricultural landscape,” he said.

The NiMet boss explained that the Nigeria-adapted Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension curriculum has been developed to enable extension and advisory service providers to integrate climate information into the support they offer smallholder farmers.

He urged participants to actively engage throughout the programme, exchange experiences, build professional networks and transfer the knowledge gained to extension platforms, farmer groups, cooperatives and rural communities across the country.

In his goodwill message, Kelvi Shikuku of the International Livestock Research Institute commended NiMet for hosting the workshop and commended the agency’s progress in strengthening climate services in Nigeria under the leadership of Anosike.

On his part, Tufa Dinku, lead facilitator from the Stockholm Environmental Institute, underscored the significance of the Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension curriculum, expressing confidence that NiMet would successfully drive its nationwide implementation.

The workshop forms part of broader efforts by NiMet and its development partners to strengthen climate-smart agriculture, improve farmers’ resilience to climate change, enhance food security and promote sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria.