Experts Train ATASP-1 Adani-Omor Farmers on Managing Climate Change

By Olisemeka Obeche

Environmental and weather management experts have trained farmers from communities under the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program-Phase One (ATASP-1), Adani-Omor on strategies for managing and mitigating climate change impacts through climate smart agriculture, reliance on accurate weather forecast and taking measures to reduce climate change induced health challenges to enjoy a healthy and prosperous life.

The training program which had in attendance 74 farmers, 10 facilitators covering 8 local governments under ATASP-1 in Anambra and Enugu states plus Adani-Omor Zonal Program staff, was held on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at the East End Hotel and Suites, Awka, Anambra State.Prof. Martin Anikwe, a Professor of Soil Science, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), opened the training program with a practical session on Climate Smart Agriculture. Anikwe, exposed participants on soil management practices, water conservation techniques, crop diversification, climate-resilient crop varieties and sustainable farming practices as well as climate smart farming implementation processes.

Mr. Nnamdi Nwaeze, the Anambra State Meteorological Inspector, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), also explored the impact of climate change on agricultural sector, especially in Anambra and Enugu states and role played by NIMET in providing accurate and timely weather forecast to assist farmers in adapting to the changing weather patterns in their farming activities.

He also provided participants with complete weather forecast report for the 2024 calendar year and urged them to always make use of such scientific information in their farming activities to be able to deal with the climate change.Mrs. Ijeoma Onyekwelu, Principal Environmental Health Officer/Head of Ecology Department, Anambra State Ministry of Environment, also took participants on the health challenges associated with climate change and measures to be taken to ensure sustainable health care.Earlier in his welcome address, the Zonal Program Coordinator, Dr. Romanus Egba had welcomed participants and urged them to take the training serious and ensure that they step down the training in their various communities. Egba had lamented the negative impacts of climate change in the country, especially in agriculture, stressing that ATASP-1 decided to train farmers to ensure that they adopt smart agricultural practices and other mitigation measures.