NiMet Trains Agricultural Extension Professionals on Climate Risk Management
Oru Leonard
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), in partnership with the International Livestock Research Institute, has commenced a 10-day Training of Trainers workshop on Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension (CRMAE) to equip agricultural extension providers with the knowledge and tools needed to deliver climate information that promotes resilient and sustainable farming across Nigeria.
The workshop, holding in Abuja from July 6 to 17, is part of an Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa target-countries project aimed at strengthening digital climate advisory services and building resilient agricultural systems across Africa.
Delivering a goodwill message at the opening ceremony, Kelvi Shikuku of ILRI commended NiMet Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Charles Anosike, for hosting the workshop and praised the agency’s achievements in enhancing climate services in Nigeria.
The lead facilitator from the Stockholm Environment Institute, Tufa Dinku, highlighted the importance of the Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension curriculum, expressing confidence that NiMet, under Prof. Anosike’s leadership, would successfully drive its nationwide implementation.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Anosike said climate variability and extreme weather events continue to threaten agricultural productivity, food security and rural livelihoods, making it essential to strengthen the capacity of professionals who work directly with farmers.
He noted that farmers increasingly face irregular rainfall, prolonged dry spells, heat stress, flooding, pest infestations and other climate-related shocks, stressing the need to translate weather and climate information into practical guidance that supports informed farming decisions.
According to him, NiMet remains committed to providing reliable weather and climate services that enhance planning, early warning systems and decision-making in weather-sensitive sectors, particularly agriculture.
Prof. Anosike described agricultural extension officers as the critical link between climate science and farm-level decisions involving 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.
He added that the Nigeria-adapted CRMAE curriculum would enable extension and advisory service providers to effectively integrate climate services into support for smallholder farmers.
The NiMet boss urged participants to actively share experiences, build professional networks and transfer the knowledge acquired to extension platforms, farmer associations, cooperatives and rural communities across the country.
He also expressed appreciation to development partners, facilitators and participating institutions for their commitment to advancing climate-resilient agriculture, strengthening food security and promoting sustainable development in Nigeria.
