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 providers with the skills to deliver climate information that supports resilient and 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 target-countries 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 variability and extreme weather events continue to pose significant threats to agricultural productivity, food security and rural livelihoods, making it imperative to strengthen the capacity of professionals who work directly with farmers.
He noted that farmers increasingly face challenges such as irregular rainfall, prolonged dry spells, heat stress, flooding, pest outbreaks and other climate-related shocks, stressing the need to translate scientific weather and climate information into practical guidance that supports informed farming decisions.
According to Anosike, NiMet remains committed to providing weather and climate services that enhance planning, early warning systems and decision-making across weather-sensitive sectors, particularly agriculture.
He described agricultural extension officers as the critical bridge between climate science and farm-level decisions involving planting schedules, 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 added that the Nigeria-adapted Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension curriculum would equip extension and advisory service providers with the knowledge and tools required to integrate climate services into support for smallholder farmers nationwide.
He encouraged participants to actively share experiences, build professional networks and transfer the knowledge acquired 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 achievements in strengthening climate services in Nigeria.
Also speaking, the lead facilitator from the Stockholm Environmental Institute, Tufa Dinku, highlighted the importance of the Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension curriculum, expressing confidence that NiMet, under the leadership of Prof. Anosike, would successfully drive its nationwide implementation.
The workshop is expected to strengthen the capacity of agricultural extension professionals to provide climate-smart advisory services, contributing to improved food security, climate resilience and sustainable agricultural development across Nigeria.
