The Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the International Livestock Research Institute have launched a 10 day Training of Trainers workshop on Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension, aimed at equipping extension officers to deliver climate information that supports resilient, sustainable farming across Nigeria.
The Abuja workshop forms part of a wider AGRA target countries project meant to strengthen digital climate advisory services and build resilient agricultural systems across Africa. Opening the session, NiMet Director General Charles Anosike said climate variability and extreme weather continue to threaten agricultural productivity, food security and rural livelihoods, making it essential to support the people who work directly with farmers, since farmers themselves are contending with irregular rainfall, dry spells, heat stress, flooding and pests, all of which require translating raw climate information into practical, actionable advice. He described extension officers as the crucial link between climate science and farm level decisions on planting, crop choice, water and soil management, input use and hazard preparedness, arguing that training trainers multiplies the quality, reach and impact of climate services across Nigeria’s entire agricultural landscape.
Anosike said the Nigeria adapted curriculum will equip extension and advisory service providers to weave climate services directly into their support for smallholder farmers, and urged participants to share experiences, build networks and pass the knowledge on to extension platforms, farmer groups, cooperatives and rural communities nationwide, thanking partners, facilitators and participating institutions for backing climate resilient agriculture and sustainable development in Nigeria. International Livestock Research Institute representative Kelvi Shikuku commended NiMet’s leadership for hosting the workshop and praised the agency’s broader achievements in strengthening climate services nationally, while lead facilitator Tufa Dinku of the Stockholm Environment Institute underscored the importance of the curriculum, noting that NiMet, under Anosike’s leadership, will lead its full implementation across Nigeria.
