The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), have commenced a 10-day Training of Trainers workshop on Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension (CRMAE) to equip agricultural extension professionals with the skills to deliver climate information that supports resilient and sustainable farming across Nigeria.
The workshop, holding in Abuja from 6 to 17 July, is part of an AGRA Target Countries Project aimed at strengthening digital climate advisory services and building resilient agricultural systems across Africa.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, NiMet’s Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Charles Anosike, said increasing climate variability and extreme weather events continue to threaten agricultural productivity, food security and rural livelihoods, making it imperative to strengthen the capacity of those working directly with farmers.
He noted that farmers are increasingly confronted with irregular rainfall, prolonged dry spells, heat stress, flooding, pest outbreaks and other climate-related shocks.
“Training trainers will multiply the quality, reach and impact of climate services across Nigeria’s agricultural landscape,” he said.
Prof. Anosike reaffirmed NiMet’s commitment to providing weather and climate services that support planning, early warning and informed decision-making in weather-sensitive sectors.
He described extension officers as the critical link between climate science and farm-level decisions on planting, crop selection, water and soil management, input use and hazard preparedness.
“The Nigeria-adapted CRMAE curriculum will equip extension and advisory service providers to integrate climate services into support for smallholder farmers,” he said.
He urged participants to maximise the opportunity by sharing experiences, building professional networks and cascading the knowledge to extension platforms, farmer groups, cooperatives and rural communities across the country.
Prof. Anosike also thanked the workshop’s partners, facilitators and participating institutions for their support in advancing climate-resilient agriculture, food security and sustainable development in Nigeria.
In his goodwill message, Mr Kelvi Shikuku of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) commended the NiMet Director-General for hosting the workshop and praised the agency’s efforts in strengthening climate services in Nigeria.
Also speaking, the lead facilitator from the Stockholm Environment Institute, Dr Tufa Dinku, underscored the importance of the Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension curriculum.
“NiMet, under the leadership of Prof. Charles Anosike, will lead the full implementation of the Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension curriculum in Nigeria,” he said.
The workshop is expected to enhance the capacity of agricultural extension providers to deliver climate-informed advisory services, enabling farmers to make better decisions and build resilience against the impacts of climate change.
, 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) to equip agricultural extension professionals with the skills to deliver climate information that supports resilient and sustainable farming across Nigeria.){kind=link}