NIMET prediction: Enugu trains farmers on how to improve production, boost food security

COSMAS CHUKWU, Enugu

The Enugu State Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization has begun a statewide capacity-building programme to equip farmers with climate-change knowledge.

According to the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Patrick Nwabueze Uburu, the initiative is designed to help farmers understand weather patterns and improve productivity across rural communities.

Speaking during the three-day “train-the-trainer” workshop on the downscaling of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) in Enugu, organised in collaboration with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Uburu said the programme reflects Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s commitment to agricultural transformation.

“This is a form of capacity building initiated by His Excellency to educate our farmers and give them the right knowledge they deserve,” Uburu said.

“We are here to downscale the 2026 NiMet prediction so farmers can apply it directly to their farming practices.”

He recalled that a similar exercise conducted in 2025 yielded positive results.

“We saw the impact, farmers were able to monitor weather and apply it.

Some even understood that the first rain is not always the best time to plant,” he added.

According to him, the programme has now been expanded to cover all three senatorial districts in Enugu.

“From the success of last year, His Excellency said we should expand it.

Every rural community must be developed. This will help not only farmers but other sectors understand weather patterns”, he said.

Uburu urged participants to pay attention and utilize the knowledge. “It is a train-the-trainer programme.

They will return to their wards and downscale what they have learnt. That is how we reach more farmers.”

On monitoring, he said, “We are collecting their data and will keep communicating with them.

They will submit reports, videos, and names of those they train. We also have demonstration farms where they will practically experience how weather affects farming.”

In his presentation, Professor Ifeanyi Enete of Nnamdi Azikiwe University said the training was prompted by increasing climate variability.

“Rainfall and temperature patterns have changed significantly.
Farmers are the most vulnerable,” he said.

“We need to inform them what the weather will look like so they can plan.”

He explained that understanding onset, cessation, and planting period is critical.

“Only when farmers know these variables can they develop crop or livestock calendars.”

Enete warned of the economic and health impacts of climate change.

“Floods can destroy farms, forcing farmers to start afresh. Some lose crops, livestock, and even suffer depression,” he said.

On solutions, he advocated smart agriculture, saying “Capacity building and climate information will help farmers avoid weather-related losses.

Diversification is key, don’t rely on one crop or livestock.”
He also emphasised soil, water, and agroforestry management.

“Too much rain causes flooding; too little leads to drought. Proper soil and water management are essential for resilience,” he added.

The Nimet Zonal Manager South-East zone, Osuyomi Oluwaseyi, explained that the prediction focuses on rainfall onset, length of season, and cessation.

“The predictions vary depending on location. Southern areas experience earlier onset than northern areas,” he said.

Providing details, he noted: “We predicted onset in the southern parts around March 30, while northern areas begin in early April.

Some far northern locations may start around April 11.”

On cessation, he said, “Northern areas will experience cessation around November 22, and it cascades downward.”

He added that the length of the season is projected at about 227 days. “These are the key variables farmers need to plan effectively,” he said.

At Nsukka, Chairman of the local government, Hon. Jude Asogwa represented by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Chinweuba Ugwuoke, described the programme as timely.

“We are happy with what Governor Peter Mbah is doing. There is massive agricultural transformation in Enugu State,” he said.

“Governance is not only about roads. When people are hungry, they are angry, even if you build skyscrapers.”

He highlighted Nsukka’s farming strength. “Nsukka is known for yellow pepper, cucumber, tomatoes, and more, produced in large quantities,” he said, urging farmers to apply for the training.

“This will help them know what to plant, when to plant, and how to move from subsistence to commercial farming”, he added.

Similarly, at Awgu Local Government Area in Enugu West Senatorial Zone, Chairman Hon. Uchenna Joseph Okolo described the workshop as “a special programme.”

“Agriculture remains the bedrock of our economy. This administration is returning to that foundation to solve problems, including insecurity.

“You are ambassadors. Take this knowledge back and train others”, he said.

The Chairman of Nkanu East, Hon. Sydney Edeh, represented by Secretary of the Council, Rev. Felix Okoye, commended the initiative.

“This training is timely and crucial in helping farmers adapt to climate change using science-based practices,” he said.

“You have been selected to serve as channels of knowledge. The success depends on your ability to pass it on.”

One of the participants, Engineer Agboeze Isiabor, said the training was impactful.

“There is no knowledge that is a waste. I picked about four key lessons.

“The programme is enlightening local farmers and showing that government is serious about agriculture.

“Once I got information about farm estates, I immediately told my partner we should participate because information is power,” Isiabor said.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Ugwu-Anama Farms Ltd, Alhaji Friday Sani Nnaji, praised the initiative.

“Climate information is now as important as seeds and fertilizer. This training helps farmers decide when to plant, what to plant, and how to manage risks,” he said.

He stressed that the programme would transform agriculture.

“This is how we move from subsistence to a resilient and profitable enterprise,” he said, urging participants to disseminate knowledge effectively.

The workshop began on April 8 at Nsukka LGA (Enugu North), moved to Awgu LGA (Enugu West) on April 9, and concluded on April 10 at Nkanu East LGA (Enugu East).

Participants were drawn from all the three senatorial zones in the state, Enugu North Senatorial Zone: Igbo-Etiti, Igbo-Eze North, Igbo-Eze South, Nsukka, Udenu, and Uzo-Uwani; Enugu West Senatorial Zone: Aninri, Awgu, Ezeagu, Oji River, and Udi .

Also Enugu East: Enugu North, Enugu South, Isi-Uzo, Nkanu East, and Nkanu West.

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