By Miriam Humbe
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Agricultural Innovation Mechanism for Scale (AIM for Scale) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen the delivery of climate and weather information to farmers across Nigeria.
The partnership will focus on integrating AI-based weather forecasting and enhancing digital advisory systems – translating timely, accurate climate information into practical guidance that helps farmers make better decisions and reduce their exposure to climate-related risks.
Through this collaboration, NiMet and AIM for Scale, an initiative supported by the International Affairs Office at the UAE Presidential Court and the Gates Foundation will leverage AI-driven forecasting to weather insights tailored to farmers’ needs.
By translating these forecasts into actionable guidance, the partnership will support farmers in optimizing planting decisions, managing inputs more effectively, and mitigating the impacts of extreme weather, ultimately improving productivity and livelihoods.
NiMet plays a central role in Nigeria’s agricultural and climate information systems, providing early warning advisories, seasonal climate predictions, and digital climate services.
This partnership builds on that foundation by integrating AI into forecasting systems, strengthening institutional capacity, and enhancing how information is communicated, expanding the reach and effectiveness of advisory services so more farmers receive timely, relevant information to support decision-making.
Nigeria was among the first cohort of countries to participate in the AI Weather Forecasting Training Program launched by AIM for Scale, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), and the University of Chicago in Abu Dhabi in September 2025.
The program is designed to give countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America the tools and autonomy to generate and deliver forecasts locally, ensuring these innovations reach farmers where they are most needed.
Prof. Charles Anosike, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, highlighted the significance of the partnership between NiMet and AIM for Scale in advancing Nigeria’s weather and climate services to benefit farmers.
Through this collaboration, farmers will gain access to timely rainfall forecasts and actionable climate information, enabling them to plan their planting and harvesting seasons more effectively and reduce the risks associated with unpredictable weather.
Prof Anosike stressed that: “Providing accurate and timely weather and climate information is essential for national development, food security, and disaster risk management.
During the MoU signing event in Abuja, Imara Salas, Director of AIM for Scale, emphasized the potential of leveraging AI-powered weather forecasting and digital advisory systems to deliver practical benefits to Nigerian farmers.
She noted that this innovation could lead to improved crop yields, more efficient resource management, and enhanced resilience for millions of smallholder farmers across the country, demonstrating how technology can drive meaningful, large-scale impact in agriculture.
This collaboration with AIM for Scale will strengthen NiMet’s ability to deliver actionable climate services to farmers and other stakeholders, while advancing innovation in forecasting through the integration of AI and data-driven tools.
