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 professionals with the knowledge and skills to deliver climate information that promotes resilient and sustainable farming across Nigeria.
The workshop, taking place in Abuja from July 6 to 17, is part of an AGRA-supported project targeting African countries to strengthen digital climate advisory services and build more resilient agricultural systems.
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 threaten agricultural productivity, food security and rural livelihoods, making it essential to strengthen the capacity of those who work directly with farmers.
According to him, farmers across the country are increasingly confronted with irregular rainfall, prolonged dry spells, heat stress, flooding, pest outbreaks and other climate-related shocks, highlighting the need to translate climate information into practical advice that can support informed farming decisions.
He also stated that NiMet’s commitment to providing weather and climate services that support planning, early warning and decision-making in weather-sensitive sectors, particularly agriculture.
Anosike described agricultural extension officers as the critical link between climate science and farm-level decisions on planting dates, crop selection, water and soil management, input use and disaster preparedness.
He said, “Training trainers will multiply the quality, reach and impact of climate services across Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.”
The NiMet boss explained that the Nigeria-adapted Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension curriculum is designed to enable extension and advisory service providers integrate climate services into the support they offer smallholder farmers.
He encouraged participants to actively exchange experiences, build professional networks and cascade the knowledge 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 praised NiMet’s efforts in strengthening climate services in Nigeria.
Also speaking, the lead facilitator from the Stockholm Environmental Institute, Dr. Tufa Dinku, noted the importance of the CRMAE curriculum, expressing confidence that NiMet, under Prof. Anosike’s leadership, would successfully drive its full implementation in Nigeria.
