By Nkechi Eze
In a move set to enhance climate resilience and agricultural productivity in Nigeria, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), in partnership with global weather intelligence firm Tomorrow.io, has launched a co-design workshop to refine the Digital Climate Advisory Service (DCAS) Decision Tree. The workshop, running from 12 to 16 February 2026, seeks to integrate farmer feedback and expert insights into the system, delivering more tailored and actionable climate advisories for Nigerian farmers.
The initiative represents a critical step in NiMet and Tomorrow.io’s ongoing collaboration to support data-driven agricultural decision-making. Participants in the workshop include representatives from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, and key farmer development groups, all working to co-create a Crop Decision Tree (CDT) framework. The tool is designed to combine NiMet’s localized 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) with specific farming activities, enabling precise guidance on planting, irrigation, and harvesting.
The DCAS Decision Tree system will produce automated advisories tailored to different climate scenarios, including prolonged dry spells, delayed rainfall onset, and early seasonal rains. By translating complex meteorological data into clear, actionable instructions, the service aims to reduce weather-related risks, boost crop yields, and enhance the resilience of both crop and livestock farmers.
Brian Miranda, CEO representative of Tomorrow.io, commended Prof. Charles Anosike, Director-General and CEO of NiMet, for his strategic leadership in positioning NiMet as a leading National Hydrometeorological Service (NHMS) in Africa. He noted that the integration of artificial intelligence into meteorology through NiMet’s system will strengthen early warning mechanisms for extreme weather, ultimately safeguarding communities and livelihoods.
Prof. Anosike described the climate advisory initiative as a “game changer” for farmers, emphasising that the service is intended to provide guidance that is both practical and easy to understand. “This initiative is about empowering farmers to make smarter decisions based on reliable weather information, helping them mitigate risks and optimise their farming activities,” he said.
The five-day workshop will feature technical sessions focused on developing the DCAS Decision Tree. Experts and farmers will collaboratively design the tool to address the unique challenges faced across Nigeria’s diverse agricultural landscape, ensuring the advisories are actionable, context-specific, and aligned with real-world farming needs.
