CJID Climate-Agricultural Reporting Training 2026: Applications Now Closed
Applications are now open for the CJID Climate-Agricultural Reporting Training 2026, but the deadline of March 16, 2026, has passed. The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) organized this two-day virtual training and story lab. It targeted journalists, editors, and civil society communicators in Nigeria. Climate change hits Nigerian agriculture hard with floods, droughts, desertification, pest outbreaks, and rising food prices. Smallholder farmers grow 60-70% of the country’s food, yet they face big risks from these shocks. This article covers the program’s goals, who could apply, how to submit, eligibility rules, and key benefits.
CJID launched this training under its Agricultural Reporting and Climate Change Project. The goal was to help journalists report better on how climate change affects farming and public policy. Reporters would learn investigative and community-centered skills. These methods lead to accurate, data-driven stories with solutions. Climate change disrupts farming in many ways. Here are the main impacts:
- Floods that destroy crops and homes.
- Droughts that dry up water for plants and animals.
- Desertification that turns good land into waste.
- Pest outbreaks that eat up harvests.
- Food price spikes that hurt families.
Smallholder farmers make most of Nigeria’s food. They need strong stories to get support.
The application process was clear and step-by-step. Reporters, editors, and media-focused civil society groups with public interest experience could apply. Teams of up to three people were welcome, but only the lead person attended the training. Here are the steps:
- Submit a story pitch on climate-agriculture using the CJID template.
- Freelancers had to share links to past published work.
- Newsroom staff applied through an editor or manager.
- Everyone filled out the official application form.
This setup made sure only serious applicants joined.
To qualify, applicants needed to meet strict rules. They had to live and work in Nigeria with a media outlet that reaches many people. Past work in investigative, accountability, or data journalism was key. Interest in agriculture, climate, or development topics helped too. Everyone promised to write and publish their stories on time. Female journalists and people with disabilities got strong encouragement to apply. Check these points to see if you fit:
- Based in Nigeria with a credible media platform of national or sub-regional reach.
- Proven experience in investigative, accountability, and data journalism.
- Interest and experience in agriculture, climate, or development reporting.
- Commitment to produce and publish stories within the timeline.
These rules kept the group focused and skilled.
The program offered real value to participants. Benefits included hands-on support for better reporting. Here they are:
- Two-day intensive training on climate-agriculture topics.
- Mentorship from top investigative journalism experts.
- Editorial help to polish and publish stories.
- Grants to fund selected investigative reports.
- Entry to CJID’s Climate-Agriculture Reporting Network.
These perks helped journalists create lasting impact.
The official application link is here, but note the deadline passed on March 16, 2026:
Apply Now (Closed): CJID Climate-Agricultural Reporting Training Form
Check the CJID site for updates or new chances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the CJID Climate-Agricultural Reporting Training 2026 about?
It was a two-day virtual program to teach journalists investigative skills for reporting on climate change’s effects on Nigerian farming and policy.
Who could apply for the training?
Nigerian journalists, editors, and civil society communicators with experience in investigative, data, or agriculture reporting and a credible media platform.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline was March 16, 2026, so applications are now closed.
What benefits did participants get?
They received intensive training, mentorship from experts, editorial help, grants for stories, and access to CJID’s reporting network.