The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) recently kicked off the Enhancing National Climate Services (ENACTS) initiative. This exciting project is a partnership with Sahel Consulting, the International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI), and the Gates Foundation. The goal? To improve access to climate information in Nigeria.
During a two-day event in Abuja, experts from various fields like agriculture, health, and disaster management gathered to review the project. They discussed how ENACTS aims to combine ground-based observations with satellite data for clearer, user-friendly climate insights.
NiMet’s Director-General, Prof. Charles Anosike, called the launch a “vision brought to life through consistency, partnership, and a shared commitment to national development.” He emphasized that ENACTS marks a significant shift in making crucial climate information accessible and useful for everyone in Nigeria.
One of the standout features of this initiative is the Maproom. This online platform will give farmers vital details about rainfall patterns, temperature forecasts, and drought risks. With this information at hand, farmers can make smarter decisions, boosting food security in the country.
This move aligns perfectly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on enhancing food and nutrition security. By offering accurate climate data, ENACTS will help protect livelihoods from climate-related challenges and strengthen the nation’s resilience.
Participants at the workshop were optimistic about the potential of ENACTS. They believe it can spark innovation and improve how services are delivered in climate-sensitive sectors. A recent survey by the World Bank shows that over 60% of rural farmers in Nigeria feel unprepared for climate change. Initiatives like ENACTS are crucial for addressing this gap.
The Maproom portal promises to be a game-changer. Providing over 40 years of high-resolution climate data, it enables users to analyze trends and make informed decisions across different sectors. ENACTS not only aims to enhance disaster preparedness but also supports Nigeria’s broader goals for food security and sustainable development.
As this initiative takes root, it will solidify NiMet’s role as a leading meteorological service provider in Africa, ensuring that Nigerians are better equipped to face climate challenges head-on.
Source link
Climate and Society,Climate information,Enhancing National Climate Services initiative,NIMET
