The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), in collaboration with the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), is set to organise a “Train-the-Trainer Workshop on the Interpretation and Application of Climate Prediction and Flood Forecasting Tools for States and NGOs”. A part of the African Activists for Climate Justice (AACJ) project, the initiative is in partnership with Oxfam and Community Action for Food Security (CAFS).
The regional workshop, scheduled to take place in Abuja, Akwa Ibom, Kano, Adamawa and Oyo states from December 18 to December 27, 2024, aims to address the persistent challenges associated with the dissemination and understanding of climate-related information in Nigeria.
According to HEDA’s Executive Secretary, Sulaimon Arigbabu, despite the timely and reliable Seasonal Climate Predictions (SCP) and flood forecasts provided by NiMet and NIHSA, there is still a significant gap exists in the interpretation and practical use of this information at the grassroots level.
“Key stakeholders, such as environmental and agricultural development officers, often face difficulties translating these forecasts into actionable plans. This gap increases vulnerabilities in critical areas like agriculture, food security, and disaster preparedness, especially as climate shocks like floods and droughts continue to have severe consequences,” he stated.
Stressing the importance of the training, Arigbabu noted that the workshop aims to bridge this gap by enhancing the technical capacity of environmental and agricultural officers. Participants will learn advanced skills to accurately interpret SCP and flood forecasts and apply this knowledge to guide communities in adopting climate-resilient practices. This capacity-building effort will support decision-making within state ministries of agriculture, environment, and planning, ultimately improving climate-responsive planning and interventions.
The workshop will also address barriers that hinder effective communication of climate forecasts. These barriers include language challenges, technical complexity, and inadequate outreach strategies. By overcoming these obstacles, the project will ensure that climate data reaches and benefits those who need it most, enhancing the resilience of Nigerian communities to climate risks.
“This workshop strengthens collaboration between NiMet, NIHSA, HEDA, and regional stakeholders, aiming to improve access to climate information for frontline communities. The initiative further reflects HEDA’s commitment to promoting sustainable development, environmental justice, and community resilience in the face of climate challenges,” noted Arigbabu.
