The Federal Government has urged farmers across Nigeria to take full advantage of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Outlook to guide their farming activities and reduce the impact of climate variability on agricultural production.
The advisory follows the release of the annual forecast by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, which provides detailed projections on rainfall patterns, temperature trends, and potential extreme weather events expected during the farming season.
According to government officials, the seasonal outlook is a critical tool that can help farmers make informed decisions on planting dates, crop selection, irrigation planning, and harvesting schedules. By aligning their activities with climate predictions, farmers can significantly reduce risks associated with unpredictable weather conditions.
The government emphasized that climate change continues to pose serious challenges to agriculture, including delayed rainfall, flooding, droughts, and increased pest and disease outbreaks. As such, proactive planning based on reliable climate data is essential for maintaining productivity and ensuring food security.
Farmers were encouraged to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices, such as using drought-resistant crop varieties, improving soil management, and implementing efficient water use techniques. These measures are expected to enhance resilience and sustain yields under changing climatic conditions.
In addition, the government called for closer collaboration between farmers and extension services, meteorological agencies, and research institutions to ensure effective interpretation and application of climate information.
Stakeholders also highlighted the importance of timely dissemination of weather forecasts, particularly in rural communities where access to information remains limited. Expanding communication channels such as radio, mobile platforms, and community outreach programmes was identified as a key priority.
Experts noted that leveraging seasonal outlooks can help farmers minimize losses, optimize resource use, and improve overall farm performance, contributing to national food security goals.
However, challenges such as limited awareness, low literacy levels, and inadequate infrastructure were identified as barriers that must be addressed to ensure widespread adoption of climate information.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting farmers through policy measures, capacity building, and improved climate services, emphasizing that informed decision-making is key to building a resilient agricultural sector.
With the 2026 Seasonal Outlook now available, farmers are encouraged to integrate climate insights into their planning processes to enhance productivity, reduce risks, and achieve sustainable agricultural growth.
