By Gabriel Ameh
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) aimed at helping extension professionals provide climate information that supports 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 project designed to strengthen digital climate advisory services and build resilient agricultural systems across Africa.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Charles Anosike, said climate change and extreme weather events continue to threaten agricultural productivity, food security and the livelihoods of millions of rural farmers.
He explained that farmers are increasingly facing irregular rainfall, prolonged dry spells, flooding, heat stress, pest outbreaks and other climate-related challenges, making it essential to transform weather and climate information into practical advice that farmers can use.
According to Anosike, NiMet remains committed to providing accurate weather and climate services that support planning, early warning systems and informed decision-making across weather-sensitive sectors, particularly agriculture.
He described agricultural extension officers as a vital bridge between climate science and farmers, helping them make informed decisions on planting periods, crop selection, water management, soil conservation and disaster preparedness.
The NiMet boss said the Nigeria-adapted Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension curriculum would equip extension service providers with the knowledge needed to integrate climate information into advisory services for smallholder farmers.
He encouraged participants to share knowledge gained during the training with farmer groups, cooperatives and rural communities to improve climate resilience nationwide.
Earlier, Kelvi Shikuku of ILRI commended NiMet for hosting the programme and praised the agency’s progress in strengthening climate services across Nigeria.
Also speaking, Tufa Dinku of the Stockholm Environmental Institute described the Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension curriculum as an important tool for improving agricultural resilience, expressing confidence that NiMet would successfully lead its implementation in Nigeria.
