The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), through its Agricultural Reporting and Climate Change Project, is inviting journalists, editors, and civil society communicators to apply for a two-day virtual training and story lab on climate–agriculture reporting. This initiative is designed to strengthen public interest journalism at a time when climate change is increasingly threatening food systems and rural livelihoods across Nigeria and the wider sub-region.
Climate-related disruptions such as floods, droughts, desertification, pest outbreaks, and rising food prices continue to affect agricultural productivity and food security. Agriculture employs a significant portion of Nigeria’s population, with smallholder farmers producing an estimated 60–70 percent of the country’s food supply. Despite their vital role, these farmers remain highly vulnerable to climate shocks and policy gaps. As a result, there is a growing need for accurate, data-driven, investigative, and solutions-focused reporting that highlights both the challenges and practical responses within the sector.
The programme aims to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to effectively report on the intersection of climate change, agricultural productivity, and public policy. Using investigative and community-centred approaches, the training will help journalists develop compelling stories that amplify underreported issues and promote accountability.
Participants will benefit from a two-day intensive virtual training focused on climate–agriculture reporting. They will also receive mentorship from experts in investigative journalism, editorial support to refine and publish their stories, and access to commissioning grants for selected investigative reports. In addition, successful applicants will join CJID’s Climate–Agriculture Reporting Network for continued collaboration and support.
The call is open to reporters, editors, and media-focused civil society organisations with experience in public interest reporting. Applicants must be based in Nigeria and affiliated with a credible media platform with national or sub-regional reach. They should demonstrate proven experience in investigative, accountability, and data journalism, as well as a clear interest in agriculture, climate, or development reporting. All selected participants must commit to producing and publishing their stories within the agreed timeline.
Female journalists and Persons with Disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Joint applications of up to three people per team are welcome, although only the lead applicant will attend the virtual training. Freelance journalists must provide links to relevant published work, while newsroom applications must be submitted through an editor or newsroom manager. All applicants are required to complete the official application form and submit a climate–agriculture story pitch using the CJID pitch template.
Applications close on 16 March 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and notified via email.
To apply, instead applicants should visit https://forms.gle/UmAQ4khVfqdURt8D8
