The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), in collaboration with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), has commenced a 10-day Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop on Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension (CRMAE) aimed at strengthening climate advisory services and promoting climate-resilient agriculture in Nigeria.
The workshop, holding in Abuja from July 6 to July 17, 2026, is part of an Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) target-countries initiative designed to enhance 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, Prof. Charles Anosike, said increasing climate variability and extreme weather events continue to threaten agricultural productivity, food security, and rural livelihoods across Nigeria, making it imperative to strengthen the capacity of agricultural extension professionals.
According to him, Nigerian farmers are increasingly confronted with irregular rainfall patterns, prolonged dry spells, flooding, heat stress, pest outbreaks, and other climate-related shocks that require timely, science-based advisory services.
“Climate information must be translated into practical, actionable advice that enables farmers to make informed decisions and build resilience,” Prof. Anosike said.
He reaffirmed NiMet’s commitment to delivering weather and climate services that support planning, early warning systems, and informed decision-making across weather-sensitive sectors, particularly agriculture.
Prof. Anosike described agricultural extension officers as the critical bridge between climate science and farm-level decision-making, helping farmers make informed choices on planting dates, crop selection, water and soil management, farm inputs, and disaster preparedness.
“By training trainers, we are multiplying the quality, reach, and impact of climate services across Nigeria’s agricultural landscape,” he added.
He noted that the Nigeria-adapted Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension (CRMAE) curriculum would equip extension and advisory service providers with the knowledge and skills required to integrate climate information into support services for smallholder farmers nationwide.
The NiMet Director General encouraged participants to actively share experiences, build professional networks, and transfer the knowledge gained to extension platforms, farmer groups, cooperatives, and rural communities across the country.
He also expressed appreciation to the workshop’s partners, facilitators, and participating institutions for their continued commitment to advancing climate-resilient agriculture, strengthening food security, and supporting sustainable development in Nigeria.
In his goodwill message, Dr. Kelvi Shikuku of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) commended Prof. Anosike for hosting the workshop and praised NiMet’s growing leadership in strengthening climate services and supporting climate adaptation efforts in Nigeria.
Similarly, the lead facilitator from the Stockholm Environment Institute, Dr. Tufa Dinku, emphasized the importance of the Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension curriculum, expressing confidence that NiMet, under Prof. Anosike’s leadership, would successfully drive its nationwide implementation.
The training is expected to enhance the capacity of extension service providers to deliver accurate, localized, and actionable climate information that will help Nigerian farmers adapt to climate change, improve productivity, and strengthen national food security.
