NADF, OSPRE Partner To Provide Early Warning Information For Farmers, Policymakers

The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) and the Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience (OSPRE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deploy an Agricultural Early Warning System for farmers, policymakers, financial institutions and other stakeholders across Nigeria.

The initiative is designed to provide timely information to support planning and response to threats affecting agricultural production and food security nationwide.

According to a statement signed by the Head of Communications Unit, Onikepo Babalola, the agreement establishes a framework for collaboration on a multi-hazard Agricultural Early Warning and Response System aimed at strengthening preparedness and rapid intervention in the agricultural sector.

Speaking during the signing ceremony at the NADF headquarters in Abuja, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NADF, Mohammed A. Ibrahim, said the partnership reflects the organisation’s commitment to strengthening support systems for farmers and agribusinesses.

He noted that the agricultural sector continues to face significant pressure from climate variability, environmental degradation, pest outbreaks and market disruptions, all of which threaten productivity and investment.

“One of the core pillars of NADF’s strategy is emergency response and resilience support for farmers and agricultural communities,” Ibrahim said.

“This collaboration will help us move from reactive interventions to a more proactive approach in responding to threats affecting food production nationwide.”

The Director-General of OSPRE, Chris Ngwodo, described the agreement as a major step toward improving coordination on food security and climate resilience in Nigeria.

“Human security is not limited to physical security alone; it also includes food systems, climate shocks, livelihoods and community resilience,” he said.

Ngwodo explained that OSPRE, established under ECOWAS-aligned early warning frameworks, is mandated to monitor and respond to threats related to food security, environmental risks and community stability.

He added that the system would enhance regional preparedness and strengthen Nigeria’s ability to anticipate and mitigate risks before they escalate into crises affecting agricultural output.