The Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the International Livestock Research Institute have begun a 10-day Training of Trainers workshop on Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension to equip extension officers with climate information that supports resilient and sustainable farming across Nigeria.
The July 6–17 workshop in Abuja is part of an AGRA-funded project in target countries aimed at strengthening digital climate advisory services and building resilient agricultural systems in Africa.
In his goodwill message, ILRI’s Dr. Kelvi Shikuku commended NiMet’s Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Charles Anosike, for hosting the workshop and praised the agency’s progress in strengthening climate services in Nigeria.
Dr. Tufa Dinku, lead facilitator from the Stockholm Environment Institute, also stressed the importance of the Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension curriculum, noting that NiMet, under Anosike’s leadership, would drive its full implementation in Nigeria.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Anosike said climate variability and extreme weather continue to threaten agricultural productivity, food security, and rural livelihoods. He added that supporting frontline extension workers is vital because farmers face irregular rainfall, dry spells, heat stress, flooding, pests, and other climate shocks.
He said NiMet remains committed to providing weather and climate services that support planning, early warning, and decision-making in weather-sensitive sectors.
“Extension officers are the link between climate science and farm-level decisions on planting, crops, water and soil management, inputs, and hazard preparedness. Training trainers will multiply the quality, reach, and impact of climate services across Nigeria’s agricultural landscape,” Anosike said.
The DG said the Nigeria-adapted CRMAE curriculum will equip extension and advisory service providers to integrate climate information into support for smallholder farmers.
He urged participants to share experiences, build networks, and pass the knowledge on to extension platforms, farmer groups, cooperatives, and rural communities nationwide.
Anosike thanked partners, facilitators, and participating institutions for supporting climate-resilient agriculture, food security, and sustainable development in Nigeria.
