The agricultural sector in Nigeria has been exposed to numerous challenges, including climate change. In recent times, climate change has led to a shift in weather patterns, making them increasingly unpredictable and posing a significant threat to Nigerian farmers.

Since weather predictions help guide farmers’ choices such as planting, irrigation, and harvesting, and most farmers in Nigeria are dependent on rainfall for their plantings, reliable forecasts can prevent losses from droughts and floods. Therefore, accurate weather prediction is essential for sustainable farming and for Nigeria’s food security and economic growth.

Climate change is a global phenomenon, and as a result, weather forecasting tools are now more accessible. These tools provide farmers a powerful way to plan their activities and mitigate climate-related risks. Hence, farmers must adopt weather forecasting tools to survive and thrive in this changing environment.

Climate Change and Its Impact on Agriculture in Nigeria

Climate change refers to long-term alterations in temperature, precipitation, and other atmospheric conditions. Reports indicate that the world will experience higher temperatures and altered rainfall patterns in the coming decades. These changes already affect agricultural productivity, with noticeable impacts on crop yields in many countries, including Nigeria.

Nigeria’s agriculture, which is rain-fed and weather-sensitive, is particularly vulnerable due to its low adaptive capacity. Recent flooding in the Niger Delta and prolonged droughts in the Northern region highlight this vulnerability. As global warming intensifies, food production continues to decline, threatening both food security and economic stability.

Farmers in Nigeria rely on indigenous knowledge and seasonal cues to guide their farming activities. Nigeria typically has three major climate zones: a tropical monsoon climate in the south, a tropical savannah climate in the central region, and a semi-arid Sahelian climate in the north. 

Climate change poses a hindrance to this, as it has undergone periodic changes, and traditional methods alone may no longer be reliable. Farmers need access to weather information through weather forecasting tools to make informed decisions and reduce losses.

What are Weather Forecasting Tools?

Weather forecasting tools use observational data, science, and technology to predict the weather hours, days, and months in advance for a given location. Meteorologists use various tools to measure and gather data. Tools used to discuss current weather conditions include outdoor thermometers (for air temperature), barometers (for air pressure), anemometers (for wind speed and direction), and hygrometers (for humidity).

These tools provide information on:

• Rainfall patterns
• Temperature changes
• Wind speeds
• Humidity levels
• Extreme weather alerts

Farmers can access the information about these tools because it is available in various forms, including mobile apps, SMS alerts, radio broadcasts, and AI-powered platforms.

The Role and Benefits of Weather Forecasting for Nigerian Farmers

Prof. Charles Anosike, Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), emphasises that meteorology and climate science provide critical solutions to climate change challenges by predicting severe weather events and informing agricultural decisions. Early warning systems from NiMET alert farmers on heatwaves, floods, and other weather hazards, helping them optimise planting and harvesting times to reduce crop failure risks.

Meanwhile, Senator Abubakar Kyari, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, stresses the importance of seasonal rainfall predictions in shaping agricultural activities. He emphasises that access to accurate weather forecasts allows farmers to adjust planting schedules, optimise irrigation, and apply inputs efficiently, ultimately improving productivity and reducing resource waste.

Here are some benefits of using weather forecasting tools:

• Planning, Planting, and Harvesting: Accurate forecasts help farmers choose the best times to plant and harvest, thereby reducing the risk of crop loss due to unexpected weather. Timely information helps avoid planting during periods of heavy rains or drought. 
• Pest and Disease Control: Some pests thrive in certain weather conditions. Forecast data helps farmers anticipate outbreaks and apply treatments proactively.
• Resource Management: Knowing when rain is expected allows farmers to optimise irrigation and fertiliser use, saving money and resources. Efficient use of water, fertilisers, and pesticides saves money and reduces waste.
• Disaster Preparedness: Early warnings about storms, floods, or droughts enable farmers to take preventive measures to protect their crops and livestock. 
• Market Planning: When farmers know what to expect regarding harvest size, they can make more informed financial and market decisions.

Weather Forecasting Tools Available in Nigeria

• The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET )  provides regular weather updates and seasonal predictions.
• AccuWeather supplies weather forecasts and weather news.
• Google Weather and Weather Underground are accessible apps for general weather forecasts.

How Farmers Can Access and Use These Tools

1. Mobile Phones: Basic feature phones can receive SMS forecasts, while smartphones offer access to apps with detailed visuals and maps. These services deliver daily or weekly forecasts, severe weather alerts, and advice directly to farmers’ phones.
2. Radio Programs: There are agricultural radio programs that now feature daily or weekly weather forecasts specifically designed for rural communities.
3. Farmer Cooperatives and NGOs: Organisations often train farmers on how to interpret forecast data and integrate it into their farming calendars.
4. Digital Climate Advisory Services (DCAS): New digital platforms combine satellite data, weather stations, and AI to offer hyper-local forecasts and farming advice. These platforms can provide detailed rainfall, temperature, and soil moisture information for specific communities.

Weather forecasting tools provide a significant advantage for farmers, helping to reduce uncertainty, increase productivity, and enhance climate resilience. The future of farming in Nigeria lies in combining age-old wisdom with modern science. And with the right tools in hand, Nigerian farmers can thrive amidst facing climate change.  

Join the movement towards sustainable farming! 

Explore innovative weather forecasting tools today and empower your farming practices for a more resilient future. Together, we can bridge tradition and technology to thrive in the face of climate change.