NiMet, ILRI Train Agricultural Extension Officers on Climate Risk Management

By Iyojo Ameh

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, in collaboration with the International Livestock Research Institute, has commenced a 10-day Training of Trainers workshop on Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension (CRMAE) to strengthen climate advisory services and promote climate-resilient farming across Nigeria.

The workshop, scheduled to run from July 6 to 17 in Abuja, is being held under an Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa> target-countries project aimed at enhancing digital climate advisory services and building resilient agricultural systems across Africa.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet,
Charles Anosike, said climate variability and extreme weather events continue to threaten agricultural productivity, food security and rural livelihoods, making it imperative to equip extension providers with the knowledge needed to support farmers.

According to him, farmers are increasingly confronted with irregular rainfall, prolonged dry spells, heat stress, flooding, pest outbreaks and other climate-related shocks, highlighting the need to translate scientific climate information into practical, farm-level advice.

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

He described agricultural extension officers as the critical link between climate science and farmers, helping them make informed 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 boss explained that the Nigeria-adapted Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension curriculum is designed to enable extension and advisory service providers integrate climate information into their support for smallholder farmers.

He urged participants to actively exchange ideas, strengthen 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 ILRI commended NiMet for hosting the workshop and praised the agency’s progress in strengthening climate services in Nigeria.

Also speaking, the lead facilitator from the Stockholm Environment Institute, Tufa Dinku, underscored the importance of the Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension curriculum, expressing confidence that NiMet would drive its full implementation across Nigeria.

The workshop is expected to enhance the capacity of agricultural extension professionals to provide timely climate information that will help farmers improve productivity, strengthen resilience and promote sustainable agriculture.