In a bid to strengthen the capacity of agricultural stakeholders to adapt to climate variability and build resilience within food systems in Nigeria, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) organized a virtual training on seasonal climate forecasts. About 300 participants from across Nigeria and several African countries actively engaged in the training. The training targeted farmers, extension agents, researchers, agribusiness actors, and public sector officials, equipping them with the skills to interpret and apply climate data for improved agricultural planning and risk management. Speaking on the significance of the initiative, the Executive Secretary of HEDA Resource Centre, Mr. Sulaimon Arigbabu, emphasized the urgent need to empower frontline actors in agriculture with actionable climate intelligence. “As climate change continues to pose a serious threat to food security and livelihoods in Nigeria, it is imperative that those who produce our food understand how to interpret and act on climate forecasts,” Arigbabu stated. “This training was not just about data; it was about survival, resilience, and smarter decisions. We believe that democratizing access to climate information will lead to better outcomes in agricultural productivity, disaster preparedness, and community well-being,” he added. The training featured expert contributions from key national agencies, including the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), which provided practical sessions on climate patterns, flood risk assessment, and their implications for agriculture and public health. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) were also on hand to enlighten participants on efforts of the government to support climate-sensitive agriculture. Participants were divided into three thematic tracks: Cereals/Grains/Legumes, Livestock, and Tubers/Vegetables. Each track was led by specialists from major research institutions such as the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS), National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), and an aquaculture expert, Mr. Toba Tiamiyu, who provided insights into adapting fish farming to climate variability. The session also featured sector-specific forecast presentations, group advisory development, and interactive question-and-answer engagements. Stakeholders exchanged experiences and shared best practices on how to integrate climate forecasts into their daily operations and long-term planning. HEDA Resource Centre reaffirms its commitment to supporting climate-resilient agriculture and calls on both government and private sector actors to prioritize the dissemination and use of climate information in agricultural policies and programs.

Following the devastating floods in Mokwa, HEDA Resource Centre, alongside partners, visited affected communities, donated essential relief materials, and called for long-term, sustainable interventions to rebuild lives and infrastructure. A recent on-ground visit by HEDA Resource Centre to communities in Mokwa, Niger State, revealed the shocking extent of destruction caused by the floodwaters. Roads, homes, and public infrastructure were left in ruins, underscoring the urgent need for resilient infrastructure planning. The team documented the devastation and captured critical visual evidence, which has been shared with relevant authorities. This data will support advocacy for long-term climate adaptation strategies and sustainable solutions capable of withstanding future disasters. In a show of empathy and partnership, HEDA extended a formal condolence letter to Governor Umaru Bago, conveying heartfelt solidarity with the government and people of Niger State. The letter included insights from our field visit and reaffirmed HEDA’s commitment to ongoing support. As the communities begin to rebuild, we urge the government and stakeholders to prioritize recovery efforts and integrate sustainable development initiatives that build long-term resilience. In collaboration with partners including Climate and Sustainable Development Network; and Natural Justice — the HEDA team visited Tiffin Maza in the Anguwan Hausawa area. There, we engaged directly with flood victims, listened to their heart-wrenching stories, and assessed their most pressing needs. One resident said, “We lost everything—our homes, our crops, our livelihoods. We need help to rebuild.” These voices guide our advocacy and inspire our intervention. As part of the African Activists for Climate Justice Consortium, HEDA and its partners delivered essential relief materials to vulnerable families affected by the floods. The donations included: These items are more than material support they are symbols of hope, resilience, and the collective spirit of humanity. HEDA remains steadfast in its mission to support affected communities and advocate for climate justice.