Farmers applaud 2026 NiMet weather prediction, seek greater support – SWOFON

The Small-Scale Women Farmers Organisation in Nigeria (SWOFON) has applauded the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) document released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), describing it as a valuable tool for improving agricultural planning and productivity across the country.

Speaking during an exclusive interview with Food Farm News, the FCT representative of SWOFON, Mrs. Comfort Sunday commended NiMet for its commitment to training and capacity building for farmers nationwide just as she noted that the agency’s efforts have helped many small holder farmers to better understand weather patterns towards informed decisions regarding planting and harvesting.

“NiMet has tried significantly in the area of training and capacity building for farmers she said. “The climate predictions help us to prepare for rainfall, dry spells, and possible flooding. However, there is still a strong need for more improvement and increased assistance, especially for women farmers at the grassroots.”

SWOFON emphasized that although access to seasonal climate forecasts has improved in recent years, added that many rural farmers continue to face challenges such as limited access to farm inputs, finance, and modern farming equipment which restrict their ability to fully utilize the information provided.

Also speaking, a maize farmer from Iseyin, Oyo state, Mr. Yekeen Asimuyuo, said the role played by NiMet cannot be ignored in food farming, added that the presence of a weather center in Iseyin has made it easier for farmers in the area to access smarter information and related technologies to food security.

“The NiMet center in Iseyin has brought the services closer to us. Farmers can now easily access timely weather updates and plan accordingly,” he said.

Similarly, Mrs. Becky Moses Effah, a poultry farmer from Yakuur Local Government Area of Cross River State and a beneficiary of the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) programme, praised NiMet for its accurate and timely predictions.

“The predictions have helped me so much in ensuring best agricultural practices,” she said. “With the information provided, I can better manage my poultry, prevent disease outbreaks, and prepare adequately for changes in weather conditions.”

The farmers collectively called on the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to deepen support for smallholder farmers by expanding access to climate information services, funding opportunities, and extension support.

They maintained that sustained collaboration between NiMet and farmer groups such as SWOFON would strengthen resilience, enhance food security, and promote sustainable agricultural development nationwide.