For over a decade, 33-year-old Abubakar Ibrahim from Dawakin Kudu in Kano State, Nigeria, faced the daunting challenge shared by numerous smallholder farmers: unpredictable weather. Without reliable weather forecasts, planning the farming season turned out to be more of a gamble than a strategy, particularly with the increasing impact of climate change on the community. Losses from untimely rains or prolonged dry spells were common, leaving him and his neighbors frustrated and uncertain.
Abubakar vividly recalls the days when farming decisions were guided by tradition rather than data. “We relied on the old ways—watching the sky and hoping for the best,” he said. “The lack of precise information left many farmers in my community to experience crop loss year after year.”
That all changed when Ignitia introduced a pilot weather forecasting service through the HortiNigeria program. The initiative aimed to equip smallholder farmers with accurate, localized weather predictions to improve decision-making and climate resilience. For Abubakar, this was transformative.
“Thanks to Ignitia and the HortiNigeria program, we are no longer at the mercy of unpredictable weather. We have become more climate-resilient and better prepared for the future.”
Abubakar Ibrahim
“During the pilot, we received precise forecasts letting us know exactly when to plant, irrigate, apply fertilizer, and harvest,” Abubakar explained. Every morning, he checked his phone for the latest updates on rainfall, temperature, and weather patterns. This new habit became a cornerstone of his farming practices, empowering him to act with certainty and confidence.
The benefits were immediate and tangible. During the rainy season, Abubakar’s yields improved significantly as he synchronized his activities with the weather. The forecasts not only minimized losses but also opened up new opportunities. Inspired by the reliability of the data, Abubakar transitioned from staple grains to vegetable farming, a more profitable venture. “Vegetable farming is more lucrative, and with the right information, I can maximize my yield,” he shared, standing proudly in his field bursting with vibrant, thriving crops.
Abubakar was not the only one who benefited from this initiative. The weather forecast service reached 85 other farmers in his community. Farmers who once struggled to make ends meet were now thriving, their stories of resilience and growth reshaping the narrative of farming in the community. Abubakar recognized the power of this knowledge and began teaching others how to interpret the forecasts and adapt their farming practices.
“Knowledge is power,” Abubakar said with conviction. “Thanks to Ignitia and the HortiNigeria program, we are no longer at the mercy of unpredictable weather. We have become more climate-resilient and better prepared for the future.”
The HortiNigeria program (2021-2025), funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria, aims to facilitate the development of a sustainable and inclusive horticulture sector that contributes to food and nutrition security in Nigeria. HortiNigeria is led by IFDC and implemented together with KIT Institute, Wageningen University and Research, and East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation.
