The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), in partnership with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), has commenced a 10-day Training of Trainers workshop on Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension (CRMAE). The programme aims to equip extension professionals with the knowledge to deliver climate information that supports resilient and sustainable farming across Nigeria.
The workshop, holding in Abuja from 6 to 17 July, forms part of an AGRA target-countries project designed to strengthen digital climate advisory services and build resilient agricultural systems across Africa. Therefore, participants will gain practical skills that improve the delivery of weather and climate information to farmers facing increasing climate challenges.
CRMAE equips extension professionals with climate knowledge
Delivering a goodwill message, Dr Kelvi Shikuku of ILRI commended NiMet’s Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Charles Anosike, for hosting the workshop. He also praised the agency’s achievements in strengthening climate services and supporting climate resilience across Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the lead facilitator from the Stockholm Environmental Institute, Dr Tufa Dinku, highlighted the importance of the Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension curriculum. He noted that NiMet, under the leadership of Prof. Charles Anosike, would spearhead the full implementation of the CRMAE curriculum across Nigeria.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Prof. Anosike stressed that climate variability and extreme weather continue to threaten agricultural productivity, food security and rural livelihoods. He explained that strengthening the capacity of agricultural extension providers has become essential to helping farmers respond effectively to changing weather patterns.
According to him, farmers increasingly face irregular rainfall, prolonged dry spells, flooding, heat stress, pest outbreaks and other climate-related shocks. Consequently, reliable climate information must be translated into practical guidance that supports better farming decisions and improves resilience.
Prof. Anosike reaffirmed NiMet’s commitment to providing weather and climate services that strengthen planning, early warning systems and informed decision-making across weather-sensitive sectors. In addition, he said these services remain critical to improving agricultural productivity and protecting livelihoods.
He described agricultural extension officers as the important bridge between climate science and farm-level decisions. Their advice, he explained, influences planting schedules, crop selection, water management, soil conservation, input application and preparedness for weather hazards.
Prof. Anosike said: “Training trainers will multiply the quality, reach and impact of climate services across Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.”
He added that the Nigeria-adapted CRMAE curriculum would equip extension and advisory service providers with the skills needed to integrate climate services into the support they offer smallholder farmers. As a result, farmers will receive more timely and practical information to improve productivity while reducing climate-related risks.
The Director-General encouraged participants to actively exchange experiences throughout the workshop. He also urged them to build professional networks and transfer the knowledge acquired to extension platforms, farmer associations, cooperatives and rural communities across the country.
Furthermore, Prof. Anosike expressed appreciation to the workshop’s partners, facilitators and participating institutions for their continued commitment to climate-resilient agriculture. He noted that sustained collaboration remains essential to advancing food security, sustainable development and climate adaptation efforts in Nigeria.
The CRMAE workshop represents another step towards strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural extension system through improved climate services. By empowering trainers with practical knowledge, NiMet and its partners are laying the foundation for more resilient farming communities and enhanced food production nationwide.
