The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) have joined forces to mitigate the impact of climate disasters on Nigerian farmers, particularly smallholder women and youth. The partnership, which focuses on improving access to weather and climate information, aims to help farmers make informed decisions that will enhance productivity and protect their livelihoods.
NiMet’s Director-General, Charles Anosike, described the collaboration as a major milestone, emphasizing its potential to improve agricultural yields across the country. He commended WOFAN’s long-standing commitment to community-based agricultural projects, which have supported nearly 700,000 farmers since 1993.
“I consider the partnership between WOFAN and NiMet as one of my most important achievements because of the potential positive impact it would have on agricultural yield in Nigeria,” Anosike stated.
The partnership comes at a crucial time following NiMet’s public unveiling of the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction in February. The report provides crucial insights into expected weather patterns, helping farmers anticipate and prepare for climatic variations that could affect crop production. Given Nigeria’s heavy reliance on rain-fed agriculture, timely weather updates and climate-smart strategies are essential for minimizing losses and improving food security.
Anosike stressed the importance of ensuring that NiMet’s climate data reaches farmers directly rather than through intermediaries, allowing them to make informed decisions on planting cycles, pest control, and disease prevention.
“We are highly dependent on rain-fed agriculture in Nigeria. Our work at NiMet won’t be complete if our products and information are not passed to the farmers and other end users,” he said. “With this partnership, we can meet the farmers before the onset of the rains to guide them properly on how to respond, reduce damages, and manage pests. Through these interactions, we will also receive valuable feedback on the impact of our weather information on their yield.”
WOFAN’s founder, Salamatu Garba, welcomed the collaboration, praising NiMet for its consistency in providing climate data. She highlighted the importance of the partnership in strengthening WOFAN’s climate-smart initiatives, which equip farmers with adaptive techniques to withstand climate challenges.
“We have always received NiMet data from other sources, but with this partnership, we will have more direct access,” Garba said.
WOFAN has played a vital role in empowering smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth, by providing them with resources, training, and financial support to enhance agricultural productivity. The organization has championed sustainable farming methods that promote resilience against extreme weather conditions, ensuring that farmers can maximize yields despite climate uncertainties.
The collaboration between NiMet and WOFAN is expected to bridge the gap between meteorological research and on-the-ground farming practices. By integrating scientific climate forecasts into agricultural planning, farmers will be better equipped to handle unpredictable weather conditions such as droughts, floods, and prolonged dry spells.
This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader efforts to address climate change’s impact on food production. With extreme weather patterns becoming more frequent, the need for proactive strategies to safeguard food security has never been more urgent. The Nigerian government has been pushing for greater investment in climate-smart agriculture, recognizing its importance in sustaining rural livelihoods and strengthening the country’s agricultural economy.
Beyond providing weather updates, NiMet and WOFAN plan to engage in extensive farmer outreach programs, including training sessions, workshops, and real-time advisory services tailored to specific regions. These initiatives will ensure that farmers not only receive climate information but also understand how to apply it effectively to their daily farming activities.
The partnership is also expected to influence policy discussions on climate resilience in agriculture. By gathering data on how weather conditions affect smallholder farmers, NiMet and WOFAN can provide policymakers with critical insights to shape interventions that promote sustainable farming practices.
As climate change continues to pose challenges to agriculture, this collaboration represents a proactive step toward equipping Nigerian farmers with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive. By combining meteorological expertise with grassroots agricultural initiatives, NiMet and WOFAN are paving the way for a more resilient and food-secure Nigeria.
