MTN
Nigeria has partnered with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and
Tomorrow.io to strengthen climate resilience in Nigeria’s agricultural
sector. The three entities have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to
develop a Digital Climate Advisory Services (DCAS) system, an initiative aimed
at providing location-specific weather advisories to Nigerian farmers via
mobile SMS. This collaboration underscores the role of digital technology in
advancing sustainable agriculture and mitigating the adverse effects of climate
change.
With
millions of farmers across Nigeria reliant on weather conditions for successful
harvests, access to timely and accurate climate information is critical. The
DCAS system will enable farmers to receive real-time weather forecasts, early
warnings about extreme weather events, and tailored climate insights directly
on their mobile phones. By leveraging MTN’s extensive telecommunications
network, NiMet’s meteorological expertise, and Tomorrow.io’s innovative climate
intelligence solutions, the initiative is expected to improve agricultural
productivity, reduce climate-related risks, and support food security efforts.
MTN
Nigeria, CEO Karl Olutokun Toriola expressed confidence in the transformative
impact of the collaboration, emphasizing the broader benefits for the Nigerian
economy. “I am optimistic about what this collaboration will do for the
agricultural sector, emergency management, and the Nigerian economy as a whole.
We are grateful to NiMet for allowing MTN to partner with them,” he stated.
His remarks highlight MTN’s ongoing commitment to leveraging digital solutions
to support key government initiatives and drive socio-economic development.
Beyond
agriculture, the DCAS system has the potential to benefit other sectors,
including disaster response and urban planning, by improving access to accurate
weather data. The initiative aligns with global efforts to enhance climate
adaptation strategies through digital innovation, reinforcing Nigeria’s
position as a leader in technology-driven solutions for sustainable
development.
As
climate change continues to pose challenges to food security and economic
stability, partnerships like this one are essential in ensuring that farmers
and other vulnerable groups have the necessary tools to navigate an
increasingly unpredictable environment. By harnessing the power of digital
technology and meteorological expertise, MTN, NiMet, and Tomorrow.io are
setting a precedent for how public-private collaborations can drive meaningful
change in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye
