BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), in collaboration with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), has commenced a 10-day training programme aimed at equipping agricultural extension professionals with the skills to help farmers better manage climate risks and improve agricultural productivity.
The Training of Trainers workshop on Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension (CRMAE), which runs from July 6 to 17 in Abuja, is designed to strengthen the capacity of extension service providers to deliver climate information that supports resilient and sustainable farming practices across Nigeria.
The programme forms part of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) target-countries project, which seeks to strengthen digital climate advisory services and build more resilient agricultural systems across the continent.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike, said the initiative comes at a time when climate variability and extreme weather events continue to pose serious threats to agricultural production, food security and the livelihoods of millions of rural households.
He noted that farmers across the country are increasingly confronted with irregular rainfall patterns, prolonged dry spells, flooding, heat stress, pest infestations and other climate-related shocks, making it imperative to convert scientific weather and climate information into practical guidance that farmers can use.
According to him, NiMet remains committed to providing reliable weather and climate services that support planning, early warning systems and informed decision-making across weather-sensitive sectors, particularly agriculture.
Professor Anosike described agricultural extension officers as a critical bridge between climate science and the day-to-day decisions farmers make on crop selection, planting dates, water and soil management, input application and disaster preparedness.
“Training trainers will multiply the quality, reach and impact of climate services across Nigeria’s agricultural landscape,” he said.
He explained that the Nigeria-adapted Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension curriculum is designed to equip extension and advisory service providers with the knowledge and tools needed to integrate climate services into the support they provide to smallholder farmers.
The NiMet boss urged participants to actively engage in the training, exchange 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 development partners, facilitators and participating institutions for their continued support in promoting climate-resilient agriculture, strengthening food security and advancing sustainable development in Nigeria.
In his goodwill message, Dr. Kelvi Shikuku of the International Livestock Research Institute commended NiMet for hosting the workshop and praised the agency’s achievements in strengthening climate services and weather information delivery in Nigeria.
He expressed confidence that the training would further enhance the capacity of agricultural extension professionals to provide timely and relevant climate advisory services to farmers.
Also speaking, the lead facilitator from the Stockholm Environmental Institute, Dr. Tufa Dinku, highlighted the importance of the Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension curriculum in building resilience within the agricultural sector.
He said the successful implementation of the curriculum in Nigeria would be driven by NiMet under the leadership of Prof. Anosike, adding that the programme would help mainstream climate risk management into agricultural extension services nationwide.
The workshop is expected to produce a pool of certified trainers who will cascade climate risk management knowledge to extension workers across the country, thereby strengthening farmers’ capacity to adapt to climate change, improve productivity and enhance food security.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
