Nigeria has taken another important step toward building a more climate-resilient agricultural sector with the launch of a 10-day training programme designed to strengthen climate risk management skills among agricultural extension professionals.

The initiative, organised by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) in partnership with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), is being held in Abuja from 6 to 17 July as part of an Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) project focused on improving digital climate advisory services across the continent.

The programme aims to equip extension officers with the knowledge and practical tools needed to deliver reliable climate information that enables farmers to make informed decisions, improve productivity and strengthen resilience against increasingly unpredictable weather conditions.

Opening the workshop, NiMet Director-General Professor Charles Anosike said climate variability and extreme weather events continue to pose significant challenges to agricultural production, food security and rural livelihoods. He noted that farmers are increasingly experiencing irregular rainfall, prolonged dry spells, flooding, rising temperatures and pest outbreaks, making access to accurate weather and climate information more important than ever.

According to Anosike, agricultural extension officers serve as the vital link between climate science and farming communities by helping producers make better decisions on planting schedules, crop selection, water conservation, soil management and disaster preparedness. Strengthening their capacity will ensure that climate services reach more farmers across Nigeria.

The Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension curriculum has been adapted specifically for Nigeria and is expected to improve the delivery of climate-smart advisory services to smallholder farmers. Participants are encouraged to share the knowledge gained through farmer groups, cooperatives and rural extension networks to maximise the programme’s impact.

Representatives from ILRI and the Stockholm Environment Institute welcomed the initiative, highlighting the importance of strengthening climate information systems as agriculture faces growing climate-related risks. They expressed confidence that the programme will enhance the country’s ability to support farmers with timely, science-based guidance.

By investing in the capacity of extension professionals, Nigeria is reinforcing its commitment to climate-smart agriculture while helping farmers adapt to changing environmental conditions. The initiative is expected to contribute to improved food security, more sustainable farming practices and stronger agricultural resilience across the country.