NiMet, ILRI Launch Training to Strengthen Climate Advisory Services for Nigerian Farmers

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has partnered with the International Livestock Research Institute to train agricultural extension professionals on climate risk management as part of efforts to improve climate-resilient farming and strengthen food security in Nigeria.

The 10-day Training of Trainers workshop on Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension (CRMAE), which began on Monday in Abuja, will run until July 17 under an Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa-supported project aimed at expanding digital climate advisory services across Africa.

Declaring the workshop open, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Charles Anosike, said the increasing impact of climate variability and extreme weather on agriculture underscores the need to equip extension officers with the skills to translate climate information into practical guidance for farmers.

He noted that irregular rainfall, prolonged dry spells, floods, heat stress and pest infestations continue to threaten agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods, making reliable climate information essential for effective farm planning and decision-making.

According to Anosike, agricultural extension officers play a critical role in bridging the gap between climate science and farmers by providing guidance on planting periods, crop selection, soil and water management, input application and disaster preparedness.

He said the training would create a multiplier effect by empowering participants to transfer the knowledge acquired to extension platforms, farmer associations, cooperatives and rural communities across the country.

“The Nigeria-adapted Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension curriculum will strengthen the capacity of extension and advisory service providers to integrate climate services into support for smallholder farmers,” he said.

Anosike reaffirmed NiMet’s commitment to delivering weather and climate services that support early warning systems, agricultural planning and informed decision-making in weather-sensitive sectors.

In his goodwill message, Kelvi Shikuku of ILRI commended NiMet for hosting the programme and acknowledged the agency’s contributions to improving climate services in Nigeria.

Also speaking, the lead facilitator from the Stockholm Environment Institute, Tufa Dinku, described the Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension curriculum as a critical tool for building resilient agricultural systems, expressing confidence that NiMet would successfully lead its nationwide implementation.

The workshop is expected to strengthen the capacity of agricultural extension professionals to deliver timely climate advisory services, helping farmers adapt to climate change, improve productivity and enhance sustainable agricultural practices across Nigeria.