NiMet, ILRI Train Extension Workers on Climate Risk Management

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), in partnership with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), has launched a 10-day Training of Trainers workshop on Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension to strengthen climate advisory services for farmers across Nigeria.

The workshop, holding in Abuja, is part of an AGRA-supported project designed to improve digital climate advisory services and build more resilient agricultural systems across Africa. Speaking at the opening, NiMet Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Charles Anosike, said changing weather patterns and extreme climate events continue to threaten agricultural production, food security and rural livelihoods.

He said farmers are increasingly affected by irregular rainfall, prolonged dry spells, flooding, heat stress and pest outbreaks, making it necessary to provide practical climate information that supports farming decisions. Anosike noted that extension officers play a key role in helping farmers make informed choices on planting, crop management, water use, soil conservation and disaster preparedness.

He added that the Nigeria-adapted Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension curriculum will equip extension workers to integrate climate services into support for smallholder farmers. ILRI representative, Dr. Kelvi Shikuku, and lead facilitator from the Stockholm Environmental Institute, Dr. Tufa Dinku, commended NiMet's efforts, expressing confidence that the programme will strengthen climate-resilient agriculture and improve extension services nationwide.