By Helen Udo, Abuja -NIGERIA.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Agricultural Innovation Mechanism for Scale (AIM for Scale) to enhance the delivery of AI-powered weather and climate information to farmers across Nigeria.
The partnership aims to integrate artificial intelligence into weather forecasting systems and strengthen digital advisory platforms that translate climate data into clear, practical guidance for agricultural decision-making.
Through the initiative, both organizations will provide farmers with tailored weather insights designed to improve planting decisions, optimize input use, and reduce risks linked to extreme weather events, ultimately boosting productivity and rural livelihoods.
NiMet, a key institution in Nigeria’s climate information system, will expand its role by incorporating AI-driven tools into its forecasting operations, improving early warning systems, seasonal predictions, and communication of climate risks to end users.
Nigeria’s participation in the AI Weather Forecasting Training Program launched by AIM for Scale alongside the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence and the University of Chicago in Abu Dhabi has helped position the country to locally generate and apply advanced forecasting technologies.
NiMet Director General, Prof. Charles Anosike, said the collaboration will ensure farmers receive timely rainfall forecasts and actionable climate information to support better planning for planting and harvesting seasons, while strengthening national food security and disaster preparedness.
AIM for Scale Director, Imara Salas, emphasized that AI-powered forecasting and digital advisory systems will transform agriculture by improving yields, strengthening resource efficiency, and increasing resilience for millions of smallholder farmers across Nigeria.
The partnership is also expected to strengthen institutional capacity within NiMet by improving data processing systems, forecasting accuracy, and the speed at which climate information is delivered to end users.
This will help bridge the gap between scientific weather data and real-world agricultural needs.
In addition, the collaboration will expand digital climate advisory reach to rural farming communities, ensuring that even smallholder farmers in remote areas receive timely and localized weather updates. This is expected to reduce losses caused by flooding, drought, and unpredictable rainfall patterns.Overall, the initiative represents a major step toward climate-smart agriculture in Nigeria, where technology and innovation are increasingly being used to safeguard food production, improve resilience, and support sustainable economic growth in the agricultural sector.
