13/09/2026
🌱 EL NIÑO: WHAT EVERY FARMER NEEDS TO KNOW BEFORE PLANTING
Before the first seed goes into the soil, there is one question every farmer should be asking:
What kind of season are we planting into?
For farmers, El Niño is not just a climate term they hear on the news. Changes in large-scale climate patterns can influence rainfall, temperature, dry spells, soil moisture and water availability, all of which matter when deciding what, when and how to plant.
And now, there is a reason to pay closer attention.
In its August 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction update, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) reported that recent ocean observations confirmed the onset of a strong El Niño event in 2026, with the event continuing to intensify. NiMet said the phenomenon was expected to influence global climate patterns during the August to October 2026 period.
Source: Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Seasonal Climate Prediction Update, August 2026.
🌦️ BUT WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR A FARMER?
El Niño does not mean that every farmer will suddenly experience drought.
Climate impacts are not the same everywhere, and farmers should not treat an El Niño forecast as a guarantee of what will happen on their particular farm.
What it does mean is that farmers need to pay closer attention to rainfall forecasts, dry spells and temperature conditions and use that information when making farming decisions.
NiMet's 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction highlighted the possibility of variable rainfall, prolonged dry spells and warmer temperatures across parts of Nigeria. Its agricultural outlook is designed to help farmers adjust their decisions, including planting schedules, in response to expected weather and climate conditions.
🌾 SO, WHAT SHOULD FARMERS DO?
Don't wait for the dry spell to arrive before thinking about water.
Don't wait for the crop to start wilting before thinking about soil moisture.
And don't wait until planting has already failed before checking the forecast.
Preparation starts before the seed goes into the ground.
Farmers can:
🌱 Consider crop varieties suited to local conditions and the expected length of the growing season.
🌧️ Follow rainfall and planting advisories rather than relying only on the first rainfall of the season.
💧 Protect soil moisture through appropriate soil and water management practices.
🌿 Control weeds early because weeds compete with crops for limited water and nutrients.
🚿 Consider irrigation where reliable water is available and the cost is practical.
🌾 Diversify crops where appropriate instead of depending entirely on one crop.
🐄 Prepare livestock for possible changes in pasture and water availability.
Most importantly, keep checking official weather and climate updates.
NiMet provides seasonal forecasts and agricultural meteorological information intended to help farmers and other climate-sensitive sectors make better decisions.
🌍 THE BIGGER LESSON
Climate information is not meant to tell farmers what will happen with absolute certainty.
It is there to help them prepare for what is more likely to happen.
A farmer who understands the forecast has more information to work with.
And sometimes, having that information early can make the difference between reacting to a problem and preparing for it.
The weather may be uncertain. Your preparation doesn't have to be. 🌱
📌 Source: Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Seasonal Climate Prediction Update, August 2026 and August-September-October (A*O) 2026 Rainfall Forecast, published 13 August 2026.
👉 What should we explore next?
Tomatoes: Which varieties and farming practices can help farmers manage heat and water stress?
Or cabbage: Which varieties and practices can help farmers reduce climate-related losses?
Nigerian Meteorological Agency-NiMet HEDA Resource Centre
