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 skills to deliver climate information that will strengthen 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 enhance digital climate advisory services and build resilient agricultural systems across Africa.
Delivering a goodwill message at the opening ceremony, Dr. Kelvi Shikuku of ILRI commended the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, for hosting the training and lauded the agency’s strides in strengthening climate services in Nigeria.
Also speaking, the lead facilitator from the Stockholm Environmental Institute, Dr. Tufa Dinku, highlighted the significance of the Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension curriculum, expressing confidence that NiMet, under Anosike’s leadership, would successfully drive its nationwide implementation.
In his keynote address, 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 strengthen the capacity of professionals who work directly with farmers.
According to him, farmers are increasingly confronted with erratic rainfall, prolonged dry spells, heat stress, flooding, pest outbreaks and other climate-related shocks, creating an urgent need to translate scientific climate information into practical, farm-level advisory services.
He reaffirmed NiMet’s commitment to providing reliable weather and climate services that support planning, early warning systems and informed decision-making across weather-sensitive sectors of the economy.
Anosike described agricultural extension officers as the critical link between climate science and farmers’ decisions on planting dates, crop selection, water and soil management, input application 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 CRMAE curriculum is designed to equip extension and advisory service providers with the knowledge and tools required to integrate climate services into support for smallholder farmers.
He encouraged participants to actively exchange experiences, strengthen professional networks and transfer the knowledge gained to extension platforms, farmer associations, cooperatives and rural communities across the country.
Anosike also expressed appreciation to the workshop’s partners, facilitators and participating institutions for their commitment to advancing climate-resilient agriculture, improving food security and promoting sustainable development in Nigeria.