NiMet seeks insurance for farmers to boost food security
Professor Charles Anosike, Director General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has urged for insurance coverage for Nigerian farmers to bolster food security. During a visit by USAID, Anosike emphasized the importance of NiMet’s role in the agricultural value chain and sought collaboration for an upcoming roundtable on agricultural insurance and weather advisory services. He stressed the need to involve the financial sector to integrate climate risk into their operations. Anosike also suggested launching a pilot insurance scheme for farmers and announced upcoming NiMet training programs on weather, water, and climate science.
Source: Punch
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The call by Professor Charles Anosike, Director General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), for insurance coverage for Nigerian farmers is a crucial step towards enhancing food security and strengthening the agricultural value chain. With the increasing threat of climate change, which acts as a “threat multiplier,” the need for robust risk management strategies in agriculture cannot be overstated.
Insurance coverage, coupled with weather advisory services, can provide smallholder farmers with the necessary tools to mitigate the risks associated with unpredictable weather patterns. By integrating climate risk into financial operations, financial institutions can play a significant role in stabilizing agricultural productivity and safeguarding livelihoods. This approach not only ensures that farmers are better equipped to handle adverse conditions but also enhances overall resilience within the sector.
The proposed Agricultural Insurance and Weather Advisory Services Roundtable is a timely initiative that could drive significant change. Engaging key stakeholders from the financial, agricultural, and insurance sectors is vital for creating effective and sustainable solutions. This collaboration, supported by NiMet and USAID, is poised to foster informed decision-making and catalyze growth within Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
