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Weather forecasting as a tool for food security
Accurate weather forecasting plays a crucial role in ensuring food security by allowing farmers to align their activities with climatic conditions.
In 2025, as climate change continues to alter traditional weather patterns, farmers must have access to precise and timely weather updates.
For example, early warnings of impending droughts, floods, or storms can help farmers safeguard their crops and livestock, minimising losses and maintaining steady food production.
Additionally, forecasts can inform irrigation schedules, reducing water wastage and improving the overall efficiency of agricultural operations.
Governments and private agencies must invest in disseminating weather forecasts through multiple channels, including radio, mobile apps, and community meetings, ensuring that even farmers in remote areas can access this vital information.
Tailored forecasts, which consider the specific needs of different regions and crop types, would further enhance the utility of weather data, enabling farmers to make well-informed decisions about planting, fertilisation, and harvesting.
Strengthening Agricultural resilience through data
The integration of weather data into agricultural planning can significantly enhance resilience against climate-related shocks. In 2025, farmers who utilise historical and real-time weather data will be better equipped to adopt adaptive practices, such as crop rotation, intercropping, and the use of climate-resilient seeds.
By analysing trends in rainfall, temperature, and humidity, farmers can optimise their practices to align with environmental changes, thereby maintaining or even increasing their yields.
Beyond individual efforts, collective action at the community level is essential. Farmers’ cooperatives and agricultural associations can pool resources to invest in technologies like automated weather stations, drones for monitoring crop health, and data analytics platforms.
These tools provide actionable insights, helping farmers to respond proactively to weather fluctuations. Governments and NGOs should offer technical support and training programmes to facilitate the adoption of such innovations, ensuring that they are accessible to farmers of all scales.
Encouraging policy innovation and collaboration
The role of policymakers in shaping a resilient agricultural sector cannot be overstated. Governments should prioritise the establishment of public-private partnerships to advance agricultural technology and infrastructure development.
For instance, subsidies on weather monitoring equipment and incentives for private companies to develop region-specific agricultural solutions can foster innovation and accessibility.
Collaboration with international organisations is also vital, particularly in the face of global climate challenges. By participating in global agricultural research networks, countries can share knowledge and resources, ensuring that farmers benefit from the latest advancements in agricultural science and meteorology.
Moreover, policymakers should consider integrating agricultural resilience strategies into broader economic and environmental policies, recognising the sector’s critical role in sustaining livelihoods and driving economic growth.
With a concerted effort from all stakeholders; farmers, governments, researchers, and private organisations; the agricultural sector can thrive in 2025, despite the uncertainties of weather and climate change.
Michael Adedotun Oke,
Project Facilitator, Talent Upgrade Global Concept, Michael Adedotun Oke Foundation, Plot 232 Kaida Road, Old Kutunku, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria
maof2020@gmail.com
+23408027142077