The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) in collaboration with agricultural experts has concluded a 10-day Training of Trainers workshop on Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension (CRMAE) in Abuja.
The programme was implemented with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), Sasakawa Africa Association, and other partners.
Director-General and CEO of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, chaired the closing ceremony. Other dignitaries present were Dr. Esther Ibrahim of AGRA Nigeria, representing the AGRA Country Director; Mr. Pierre Sibiry of ILRI; Dr. Jim Hansen, lead resource person; Dr. Godwin Atser of Sasakawa Africa Association; and Dr. Victoria Pillah of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Anosike described extension officers as the bridge between climate science and farmers. He said their job is to translate weather information into practical farm decisions on planting dates, crop choices, and water management.
He noted that the workshop demonstrates NiMet and partners’ commitment to making climate information accessible, clear, and useful for farmers across Nigeria.
According to him, the newly adapted Nigerian CRMAE curriculum will strengthen extension workers to deliver climate-informed advice. He cited research showing that effective local extension can raise agricultural productivity by 20 to 30 per cent and reduce losses from climate shocks. He urged participants to cascade the training through extension networks, farmer groups, cooperatives, and rural communities.
He stressed that success will be measured by improved farmer livelihoods, stronger climate resilience, and better national food security. He also reaffirmed NiMet’s commitment to institutionalize the CRMAE curriculum and drive its nationwide adoption.
Delivering closing remarks on behalf of the AGRA Country Director, Ibrahim said climate risk management is now central to agricultural extension. She charged participants to use their new knowledge to provide farmers with timely, reliable, and actionable climate information for better decisions and resilient production.
The workshop ended with the presentation of certificates. The trained professionals are expected to step down the training across extension systems and farming communities, bridging the gap between climate science and farm-level decisions to help Nigerian farmers manage climate risks.