NiMet, Stakeholders Launch Plan to Deliver Digital Climate Tools to 100,000 Farmers
In a bid to strengthen climate resilience in agriculture, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and its partners have unveiled plans for a digital system that will deliver tailored weather forecasts and farming guidance directly to farmers’ mobile phones across six states.
The initiative, developed in collaboration with Tomorrow.io, MTN and other stakeholders, aims to reach about 100,000 farmers during its pilot phase, covering one state in each geopolitical zone. The framework for rollout was discussed at a joint technical workshop.
NiMet Director-General, Charles Anosike, said the project marks a shift from routine weather reporting to a decision-support system that integrates meteorological data with agronomic expertise. He explained that the Digital Climate Advisory System will turn complex weather information into simple, actionable messages for farmers and disaster managers.
Boniface Akuku of TomorrowNow said forecasts alone are not enough, stressing that farmers need clear guidance on what steps to take based on expected conditions. The platform will combine weather projections with crop stages and best practices, delivering advice via smartphones and feature phones, including in local languages.
Representing the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Deputy Director, Iyabo Mustapha noted that smallholder farmers are highly vulnerable to climate change and require precise, community-level information.
Organisers say the pilot could pave the way for a nationwide expansion if successful.
