The director-general of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike has emphasised the importance of translating meteorological data into actionable insights for farmers during a breakfast session at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, on October 16, 2024.
The session, themed ‘Elevating the Role of Data and Information in the National Food Security Conversation,’ was organised by the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning and the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG).
Anosike explained that climate change poses significant threats to food security, especially in countries heavily reliant on rain-fed agriculture like Nigeria. He stated that providing farmers with weather and climate information equips them to make informed decisions, enhancing their ability to adapt to climate challenges with resilience.
NiMet is committed to offering data-driven solutions to mitigate climate issues and boost agricultural productivity. Anosike noted that the agency’s data helps predict critical factors such as the onset, length, and end of the rainy season, as well as dry spells, which are vital for agricultural planning.
Senior programme officer for agriculture at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr. Audu Grema praised NiMet’s efforts in predictive analysis and early warning systems, which are crucial for sustainable agricultural practices and food security planning.
