By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), in partnership 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 skills to deliver climate information that supports resilient and sustainable farming across Nigeria.
The workshop, holding in Abuja from July 6 to 17, is part of an AGRA target-countries initiative designed to strengthen digital climate advisory services and build resilient agricultural systems across Africa.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, said increasing climate variability and extreme weather events continue to pose serious threats to agricultural productivity, food security and rural livelihoods, making it imperative to empower those who work directly with farmers.
He noted that farmers across the country are increasingly confronted by irregular rainfall, prolonged dry spells, heat stress, flooding, pest outbreaks and other climate-related shocks, emphasizing the need to transform weather and climate information into practical, farm-level advisory services.
According to Prof. Anosike, NiMet remains committed to providing weather and climate services that enhance planning, early warning systems and informed decision-making across weather-sensitive sectors, particularly agriculture.
He described agricultural extension officers as the critical link between climate science and farmers’ day-to-day decisions on planting dates, crop selection, water and soil management, input use and disaster preparedness.
“Training trainers will multiply the quality, reach and impact of climate services across Nigeria’s agricultural landscape,” he said.
The NiMet DG added that the Nigeria-adapted CRMAE curriculum would strengthen the capacity of extension and advisory service providers to integrate climate services into the support they offer smallholder farmers. He encouraged participants to actively 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, Dr. Kelvi Shikuku of the International Livestock Research Institute commended Prof. Anosike for hosting the workshop and applauded NiMet’s strides in strengthening climate services and improving access to weather information in Nigeria.
Also speaking, the lead facilitator from the Stockholm Environmental Institute, Dr. Tufa Dinku, stressed the significance of the Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension curriculum, expressing confidence that NiMet, under Prof. Anosike’s leadership, would successfully drive its nationwide implementation.
Prof. Anosike concluded by appreciating the workshop’s partners, facilitators and participating institutions for their commitment to advancing climate-resilient agriculture, strengthening food security and promoting sustainable development in Nigeria.
