The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has emphasised the need for scientifically sound, locally relevant and easily understandable agricultural advisories to help farmers translate climate forecasts into practical decisions.
The Director-General/CEO of NiMet and Permanent Representative of Nigeria with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Professor Charles Anosike, made this known at a two-day National Validation Workshop on Breakdown Matrices held from November 4 to 5, 2026, at Executive Serene Hotel, Wuye, Abuja.
Anosike described the Breakdown Matrices as an important link between climate forecasts and practical agricultural advice, stressing that the resulting advisories must be scientifically sound, locally relevant and easy for farmers and other end users to understand and apply.
He noted that the value of climate forecasts lies in their ability to inform decisions, improve agricultural practices and protect livelihoods.
The NiMet boss urged participants to critically review the matrices to ensure that the recommendations reflect the diverse agricultural systems and specific needs of communities across Nigeria.
The workshop, themed “Translating Climate Forecasts into Actionable and Socially Inclusive Agricultural Advisories in Nigeria,” was organised by NiMet in collaboration with the African Centre of Meteorological Applications for Development (ACMAD), AGRHYMET Regional Climate Centre and the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT under the ACCORD Project, funded by the Gates Foundation.
It brought together meteorologists, agricultural experts, researchers, development partners, extension practitioners, farmers and other stakeholders to review and validate the Breakdown Matrices.
In his opening remarks, Dr Issa Ouedraogo, representing the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between climate science and the everyday decisions of farmers, extension agents and policymakers.
Similarly, Godefroid Nshimirimana, representing the Director-General of ACMAD, explained that the Breakdown Matrices translate seasonal climate forecast scenarios into specific agricultural recommendations based on agro-ecological zones and crop requirements.
He added that the workshop would also assess available datasets, identify sector-specific needs and validate advisory messages.
In a goodwill message, Dr Seydou Tinni Halidou, representing the AGRHYMET Regional Climate Centre, reaffirmed the importance of regional collaboration and technical partnerships in strengthening climate services and translating seasonal climate information into practical agricultural advisories.
The initiative is expected to strengthen NiMet’s capacity to deliver timely and practical agricultural advisories, particularly in support of the 2027 Seasonal Climate Prediction, while enhancing climate resilience, food security and the connection between early warning and early action in Nigeria.
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