NiMet, ILRI Train Agricultural Extension Officers on Climate Risk Management

News in Brief:

—NiMet and the International Livestock Research Institute have launched a 10-day training programme to equip agricultural extension professionals with climate risk management skills.

—The initiative aims to strengthen climate advisory services and help farmers make informed decisions to improve resilience, productivity and food security.

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) to strengthen climate advisory services for farmers across Nigeria.

The workshop, held in Abuja, forms part of an AGRA target-countries project aimed at improving digital climate advisory services and building resilient agricultural systems across Africa.

Programme Targets Climate-Resilient Agricultural Advisory Services

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, said climate variability and extreme weather continue to threaten agricultural productivity, food security and rural livelihoods, making it essential to equip extension professionals with practical climate knowledge.

He noted that farmers increasingly contend with irregular rainfall, prolonged dry spells, heat stress, flooding, pest outbreaks, and other climate-related challenges that require timely, actionable weather information.

According to Anosike, NiMet remains committed to providing weather and climate services that support planning, early warning systems and informed decision-making across weather-sensitive sectors.

Extension Officers Identified as Critical Link to Farmers

Anosike described agricultural extension officers as the bridge between climate science and farm-level decision-making, helping farmers make informed choices on planting dates, crop selection, water and soil management, input use and disaster preparedness.

He said the Nigeria-adapted Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension (CRMAE) curriculum would enable extension and advisory service providers to integrate climate services into the support they offer smallholder farmers.

"Training trainers will multiply the quality, reach and impact of climate services across Nigeria's agricultural landscape," Anosike said.

He encouraged participants to exchange experiences, build professional networks and transfer the knowledge gained to extension platforms, farmer groups, cooperatives and rural communities across the country.

Partners Highlight Importance of Climate Advisory Services

Anosike commended the programme's partners, facilitators and participating institutions for supporting climate-resilient agriculture, food security and sustainable development in Nigeria.

In his goodwill message, Dr Kelvi Shikuku of the International Livestock Research Institute praised NiMet's leadership in strengthening climate services nationwide.

Similarly, the lead facilitator from the Stockholm Environmental Institute, Dr Tufa Dinku, highlighted the importance of the Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension curriculum, expressing confidence that NiMet would lead its effective implementation nationwide.