CJID Climate-Agricultural Reporting Training 2026: Applications Open for Journalists
Applications are now open for the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) Climate-Agricultural Reporting Training 2026. This two-day virtual training and story lab comes from CJID’s Agricultural Reporting and Climate Change Project. It targets journalists, editors, and civil society communicators focused on climate-agricultural reporting. Applications close on 16th March 2026. The program tackles climate disruptions to farming in Nigeria, like floods and droughts. This article covers the background, program goals, how to apply, who qualifies, benefits, and next steps.
Climate change hits Nigerian agriculture hard. Floods, droughts, desertification, pest outbreaks, and wild swings in food prices create big problems. Agriculture provides jobs for many people. Smallholder farmers grow 60-70% of the country’s food. These farmers face high risks from weather shocks.
Key Takeaways
- The two-day virtual training helps journalists build skills in climate-agriculture reporting, focusing on investigations, data, and community stories.
- Applications require a story pitch via the CJID template and Google Form, with freelancers needing links to past work.
- Qualifiers must work in Nigeria for a national media outlet and have experience in investigative or data journalism.
- Benefits include expert mentoring, story editing support, grants for pitches, and access to CJID’s reporting network.
The training builds skills for better reporting. It helps journalists cover climate change, farm output, and government policies. The focus stays on investigative work, data, and community views. Reporters learn to spotlight solutions.
Here is the application process:
- Open to reporters, editors, and media-focused civil society groups with public interest reporting experience.
- Joint applications allowed, with a maximum of three people per team.
- Submit a climate-agriculture story pitch using the CJID pitch template.
- Newsroom applications go through an editor or manager.
- Freelancers must share links to past published work that shows relevant skills.
- Everyone completes the official Google Form.
- For teams, only the lead applicant attends the training.
Deadline: 16th March 2026
To qualify, applicants must meet these criteria:
- Live and work in Nigeria with a trusted media outlet that reaches a national or sub-regional audience.
- Have clear experience in investigative, accountability, or data journalism.
- Show interest and background in agriculture, climate, or development topics.
- Agree to write and publish stories by the set deadline.
The program offers these benefits:
- A two-day hands-on training in climate-agriculture reporting.
- Guidance from top experts in investigative journalism.
- Help with editing to polish and release stories.
- Grants to fund chosen investigative pieces.
- Entry to CJID’s Climate-Agriculture Reporting Network.
Female journalists and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are strongly encouraged to apply.
Details on the training schedule, mentor backgrounds, or past success stories remain limited in public info. The push stays on investigative and data-driven work. Check CJID’s official channels for the latest. Freelancers should prepare links to past stories. The pitch template helps shape ideas.
| Application Type | Requirements | Training Attendance |
|---|---|---|
| Solo | Story pitch via template, Google Form, published work links for freelancers | Full attendance for the individual |
| Team (max 3) | Story pitch via template, submitted by lead, newsroom via editor if applicable | Only the lead applicant attends |
This setup lets applicants pick the best fit for their needs.
This CJID training offers journalists key skills to report on climate change’s impact on Nigerian farming, with hands-on sessions, expert guidance, and funding for stories. It targets those ready to dig into data and solutions for smallholder farmers. Check the official links and submit your pitch before the March 16, 2026 deadline to join this vital program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the CJID Climate-Agricultural Reporting Training?
Reporters, editors, and civil society communicators in Nigeria with experience in public interest reporting qualify, especially those with investigative or data skills.
What is the application deadline?
Applications close on March 16, 2026.
How do I apply?
Submit a story pitch using the CJID template and complete the official Google Form; freelancers must include links to published work.
What benefits does the training offer?
Participants get two days of hands-on training, expert guidance, editing help, grants for stories, and network access.