2025 NiMET rainfall prediction: Oyo govt sensitises farmers to adopt climate -resilient practices
In a proactive move to safeguard food security and promote sustainable agricultural practices, the Oyo State Government has trained farmers on climate-resilient techniques, aligning with the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, emphasized that the training equips farmers with innovative strategies to adapt to anticipated rainfall patterns and mitigate climate change impacts. Key areas covered include drought-tolerant crop cultivation, irrigation management, soil conservation, and organic farming—critical approaches to strengthening farmers’ resilience against climate-induced shocks.
In collaboration with OCP Africa, the government also conducted soil testing in 100 communities, training 22,370 farmers on good agricultural practices. According to Olaleye, the initiative offers farmers scientific insights into soil fertility and nutrient composition, enabling them to make informed decisions about fertilizer use and crop selection for improved yields.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Abosede Owoeye, reiterated the government’s commitment to equipping farmers with climate information and adaptive strategies, ensuring a more secure and productive agricultural sector. She urged participants to extend the knowledge gained to fellow farmers, fostering widespread adoption of climate-smart farming.
Applauding the initiative, the State Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Adewunmi Abass, stressed the need for collective action in embracing climate-smart agricultural practices. He called on farmers to see themselves as stewards of the land, ensuring sustainable food production for future generations.
The training program featured expert contributions from leading agricultural institutions, including IAR&T, IITA/UI, and NCRI, alongside key stakeholders such as local government agricultural directors and women in agriculture.
Source- Tribune
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
The Oyo State Government’s initiative to train farmers on climate-resilient practices is a significant step towards achieving long-term food security and sustainable agricultural productivity. The collaboration with OCP Africa in soil testing is particularly commendable, as data-driven insights will help farmers optimize fertilizer application, reduce input costs, and increase yields.
However, for the initiative to have a lasting impact, it is crucial to ensure that:
- Implementation Support – Beyond training, farmers need access to climate-smart inputs such as drought-resistant seeds, efficient irrigation systems, and organic soil enhancers.
- Financial Inclusion – Government and financial institutions should provide affordable credit facilities for farmers to adopt climate-smart technologies.
- Market Linkages – Strengthening the value chain by connecting trained farmers with reliable markets will enhance profitability and encourage widespread adoption of sustainable practices.
- Continuous Extension Services – Ongoing technical support through extension officers will help farmers apply these practices effectively.
With consistent government support and private sector collaboration, Oyo State’s climate adaptation measures can serve as a model for other regions in Nigeria, ensuring resilience against climate variability while boosting agricultural productivity and farmer livelihoods.
