By Adam Said Adam, Kano
In a move set to transform how farmers respond to weather and climate challenges, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has partnered with Agricultural Innovation Mechanism for Scale (AIM for Scale) to deliver smarter, AI-powered weather forecasts across Nigeria.
The collaboration, sealed through a memorandum of understanding (MoU), aims to bridge the long-standing gap between weather data and practical farming decisions. By combining advanced artificial intelligence with localized climate knowledge, the initiative will provide farmers with clear, timely, and easy-to-understand guidance—helping them decide when to plant, irrigate, or harvest.
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Backed by global partners including the Gates Foundation and the International Affairs Office at the UAE Presidential Court, AIM for Scale brings cutting-edge technology into Nigeria’s agricultural space. Together with NiMet, the initiative will tailor weather forecasts specifically to farmers’ needs, turning complex data into actionable insights that can boost productivity and reduce losses caused by unpredictable weather.
For many farmers, especially smallholders, access to reliable weather information can mean the difference between profit and loss. This partnership seeks to change that by strengthening digital advisory systems and expanding the reach of climate services—ensuring that even farmers in remote communities receive accurate forecasts in time to act.
NiMet’s Director-General, Charles Anosike, described the partnership as a major step forward for Nigeria’s agricultural sector. He emphasized that timely and reliable weather information is critical not just for farming, but also for food security, disaster preparedness, and national development.
Nigeria’s involvement in the AI Weather Forecasting Training Program—developed in collaboration with the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence and the University of Chicago—has already laid the groundwork for this innovation. The program equips countries with the tools to generate their own localized forecasts, ensuring that solutions are tailored to real needs on the ground.
Speaking at the signing event in Abuja, Imara Salas highlighted the transformative potential of AI in agriculture. According to her, smarter forecasting will not only improve crop yields but also help farmers manage resources more efficiently and build resilience against climate shocks.
Ultimately, this partnership represents a shift toward more intelligent, farmer-centered climate services in Nigeria—where data doesn’t just inform, but empowers.
