The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and TomorrowNow have partnered to strengthen climate advisories for farmers across Nigeria. The initiative seeks to improve access to timely, practical weather and climate information for agricultural planning and decision-making. It comes as farmers contend with weather-related risks that can affect crop production, livestock and rural livelihoods.
Climate advisories provide information about expected weather conditions and climate-related risks, alongside guidance on how to prepare. For farmers, these advisories cover heavy rainfall, flooding, drought, prolonged dry spells, extreme heat, strong winds and thunderstorms. They can help producers assess potential risks, plan farming activities and make better-informed decisions.
NiMet, TomorrowNow Target Better Climate Advisories
The partnership was highlighted during a side event on the third day of the Alliance for Hydromet Development Annual Meeting in Lagos, Nigeria. It aims to strengthen the delivery of actionable climate information to agricultural stakeholders, including crop farmers and livestock producers.
The initiative is expected to help farmers access clearer and more timely guidance for decisions such as planting, harvesting, irrigation and livestock management. However, its practical value will depend on how effectively the information reaches farmers and reflects conditions in their respective locations.
NiMet Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Charles Anosike, stressed the need to standardise climate information produced for stakeholders across the agricultural value chain. He said the agreement must be results-based and deliver practical benefits to farmers.
His remarks underline the importance of consistent and understandable climate information for agricultural planning. Differences in how forecasts and advisories are presented can make it harder for farmers to interpret risks and decide when to act.
TomorrowNow Pledges Climate Advisory Support
TomorrowNow Chief Executive Officer, Brian Miranda, assured NiMet’s leadership of the organisation’s commitment to delivering climate advisory services at scale for Nigeria’s agriculture and livestock sectors. The partnership seeks to expand access to guidance that producers can use in responding to changing weather conditions.
For farmers, effective climate advisories can support decisions about planting dates, crop selection, water management and the timing of field operations. In addition, advance warnings about heavy rainfall or dry spells can help producers prepare for potential disruptions and reduce avoidable losses.
Nigeria’s agricultural sector remains exposed to weather variability, making reliable climate information important for production planning and resilience. Nevertheless, forecasts must be accessible, timely and relevant to local farming conditions to deliver meaningful results.
The partnership between NiMet and TomorrowNow therefore places emphasis on translating weather and climate information into practical guidance for agricultural users. Its impact will depend on implementation, outreach and the ability to help farmers apply the information to everyday decisions.
