NiMet, AATF Launch Timely Climate-Resilient Agriculture

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NiMet and the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) signed a landmark MoU in Abuja today. The agreement aims to deliver climate-smart weather tools to farmers. It will build capacity and scale technologies across Nigeria.

NiMet Role and Mandate

Director General/CEO, Prof. Charles Anosike, said NiMet will provide timely forecasts and tailored advisories. He added that accurate climate data reduces crop losses and strengthens livelihoods.

The collaboration targets women- and youth-led agribusinesses and smallholder farms. Food Agricultural Organization

Dr. Jean Baptiste Tignegre, Regional Director of AATF, said the partnership removes barriers to technology access.

He emphasised that AATF will support adoption of drought-tolerant seeds and climate-smart practices. Together, both agencies will pilot projects in priority states. NiMet

The MoU outlines joint work on weather support tools, capacity building, and technical assistance. It also includes co-creating funding proposals and data-sharing protocols. The agency will integrate agricultural forecasts into its national services.

Implementation will focus on training extension officers and youth entrepreneurs. The partners will deploy mobile advisories and early-warning alerts for extreme weather. These actions aim to reduce post-harvest losses and improve harvest predictability.

The agreement runs until January 31, 2028, with clear governance. NiMet and AATF will publish reports and invite feedback. This partnership promises a measurable boost to Nigeria’s food security.

This MoU positions NiMet at the centre of climate-smart agriculture policy. It aligns with national priorities to protect farmers from climate shocks. In addition, it opens pathways for private sector tech adoption and donor funding.

Capacity building under this partnership will include workshops, field trials, and digital tools. Women and youth will be prioritised in training and deployment. The approach combines weather science with practical farming solutions.

NiMet’s forecasting assets will support insurance products and market planning. Timely advisories can lower risk and attract investment to rural value chains. Therefore, the partnership is a strategic step for resilient agricultural growth.

Monitoring and evaluation will use clear indicators and third-party audits. NiMet and AATF will track weather advisory reach, farmer uptake, and yield changes. Regular reviews will guide course corrections and scale-up decisions.

Funding strategies include joint proposals to donors and partnerships with agritech firms. The MoU commits both parties to explore public-private financing options. This blended finance model will sustain operations.

Stakeholder engagement will involve state governments, extension services and farmer groups. NiMet plans community outreach and demonstration plots near farming hubs. In addition, feedback loops will inform tool refinement.

Farmers and agri-investors should watch for pilot site announcements and training schedules. NiMet encourages interested parties to register for updates through its portal. Together, these steps will help Nigeria build climate-resilient food systems.

Expected impacts include reduced crop losses and higher farmer incomes within two seasons. NiMet estimates early warnings and advisories could cut losses significantly when scaled. The partnership aims to reach tens of thousands of smallholders in target states.