The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) has handed over four Automatic Weather Observation Systems (AWOS) to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
The move strengthens Nigeria’s weather monitoring network while supporting livestock farmers facing climate uncertainty. Therefore, the L-PRES intervention is expected to provide reliable meteorological data for improved livestock productivity and resilience.
With the deployment of the new systems, grazing reserves across the country will benefit from more precise and localised weather information.
L-PRES Strengthens Climate Monitoring for Livestock
The L-PRES programme is a national initiative designed to improve livestock productivity and climate resilience in Nigeria. Increasingly unpredictable weather patterns have made data-driven decision-making essential for farmers.
Therefore, collaboration with NiMet will ensure farmers gain access to reliable weather forecasts and early warnings. Such information allows livestock owners to manage grazing patterns, water resources, and animal health more effectively.
In addition, improved meteorological monitoring will support long-term planning for Nigeria’s livestock sector.
During a courtesy visit to NiMet headquarters, National Coordinator of L-PRES, Sanusi Abubakar, met with Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Charles Anosike.
The visit included the formal presentation of the four AWOS units to NiMet. According to Mr. Abubakar, the partnership reflects L-PRES’ commitment to strengthening climate resilience within Nigeria’s livestock industry.
He emphasised that access to accurate weather information is vital for farmers dealing with droughts, heavy rainfall, and other climate-related disruptions.
Responding, Professor Charles Anosike praised L-PRES for supporting Nigeria’s meteorological infrastructure. He described the donation of the weather systems as a strategic investment in national climate monitoring.
According to him, the AWOS units will be installed in rehabilitated grazing reserves across Nigeria. Consequently, these locations will benefit from real-time weather observations that can guide livestock management decisions.
Meanwhile, the enhanced observation network will also strengthen Nigeria’s broader weather forecasting capacity.
Localised Weather Data for Farmers
Access to location-specific weather information is increasingly important for livestock farmers. Climate change has intensified extreme weather conditions, affecting pasture availability and animal health.
Through the L-PRES partnership with NiMet, farmers will receive improved forecasts and early warnings. Therefore, they can adjust grazing schedules, animal movement, and feeding strategies more effectively.
In addition, reliable climate data can help farmers prepare for seasonal changes and minimise production losses.
Nigeria has been investing in the rehabilitation of grazing reserves to modernise livestock production. Installing advanced weather monitoring equipment in these areas will further strengthen their effectiveness.
The L-PRES programme aims to combine infrastructure, technology, and farmer education to improve livestock productivity nationwide. Consequently, integrating meteorological data into grazing reserve management will support sustainable agricultural development.
Meanwhile, policymakers and agricultural planners will also benefit from improved weather data for national planning.
Both organisations reaffirmed their commitment to sustained collaboration aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s livestock resilience. The L-PRES initiative will continue supporting projects that enhance climate adaptation and agricultural productivity.
Similarly, NiMet pledged to ensure the newly installed systems deliver accurate and timely weather information. Such cooperation will help farmers respond effectively to climate risks.
Ultimately, the partnership between L-PRES and NiMet is expected to protect livelihoods, improve livestock productivity, and support Nigeria’s food security goals.
