NiMet, L-PRES Partner to Boost Climate-Smart Livestock Farming

NiMet, L-PRES Partner to Boost Climate-Smart Livestock Farming

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has partnered with the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) to strengthen climate-smart livestock farming in Nigeria through improved weather monitoring and data-driven agricultural planning.

The partnership was highlighted during a courtesy visit by the National Coordinator of L-PRES, Sanusi Abubakar, to the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Charles Anosike, in Abuja, where four Automatic Weather Observation Systems (AWOS) were handed over to the agency.

L-PRES is a national initiative aimed at boosting livestock productivity while helping farmers build resilience against climate variability and extreme weather conditions.

Speaking during the visit, Abubakar congratulated Anosike on the public release of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction, describing NiMet’s work as critical to Nigeria’s agricultural planning and food security.

He stressed that collaboration with NiMet was essential for the success of the project’s climate resilience strategy in the livestock sector.

“Partnering with NiMet is very important for us because reliable climate and weather information is key to helping livestock farmers adapt to unpredictable weather conditions,” Abubakar said.

According to him, the donation of the weather observation systems is part of efforts to strengthen the availability of accurate meteorological data, particularly in areas where livestock production plays a major role in rural livelihoods.

Abubakar noted that improved access to localized weather information would help livestock farmers make informed decisions on grazing patterns, water management and other production activities affected by climate conditions.

Responding, Anosike commended L-PRES for procuring and donating the weather monitoring equipment, describing the gesture as a significant contribution to Nigeria’s weather observation infrastructure.

“This initiative is a vital investment in our national weather observation network,” he said.

The NiMet boss explained that the new systems would be deployed in **rehabilitated grazing reserves** across the country to enhance localized weather monitoring for livestock farmers.

“With these stations installed in grazing reserves, we will be able to provide more accurate and localized weather information that will help farmers plan better and improve productivity,” Anosike said.

He added that improved weather observation would strengthen NiMet’s capacity to support the livestock sector with climate information services that can reduce risks associated with extreme weather events.

Both organisations expressed optimism that the collaboration would contribute significantly to safeguarding Nigeria’s livestock industry from climate-related threats.

They also reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation through technology and shared expertise to improve farmers’ livelihoods and promote sustainable agricultural development across the country.