In a major move to overhaul Nigeria’s food systems, the World Bank has officially approved a $500 million International Development Association (IDA) credit for the Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Value-Chains for Growth (AGROW) Project. The initiative is designed to transition millions of smallholder farmers from subsistence labor into a commercially viable agribusiness model, addressing the chronic issues of low productivity and food insecurity.
Empowering One Million Smallholder Farmers
Despite being Nigeria’s largest employer, the agricultural sector has long been hamstrung by climate shocks, weak market linkages, and a lack of quality inputs. The AGROW project aims to bridge this gap by focusing on high-priority value chains, specifically rice, maize, cassava, and soybeans. By providing better access to climate-resilient seeds and high-quality fertilizers, the project expects to directly benefit upwards of one million farmers across the country.
“AGROW is a transformative step for Nigeria’s agriculture—empowering smallholder farmers, unlocking private sector–led growth, and strengthening food security in a sustainable way,” stated Mathew Verghis, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria. “This project is expected to mobilize significant private investment and increase yields across targeted crops while ensuring greater resilience to climate shocks.”
A Digital Revolution on the Farm
A cornerstone of the six-year project (2026–2032) is the modernization of farming through technology. The World Bank intends to establish a national digital farm and farmer registry, allowing for the delivery of digital advisory services. This will provide rural farmers with localized weather data and climate information, enabling them to make informed decisions and protect their livelihoods against increasingly unpredictable environmental patterns.
Strengthening the Value Chain and Private Investment
Beyond the field, the AGROW project is built to attract external capital. It is projected to mobilize an additional $220 million in private agribusiness investment through a results-based matching grant facility. This facility will reward agribusinesses that commit to sourcing directly from smallholders, focusing on post-harvest handling, agro-processing, and improved market access. By strengthening the regulatory systems for seeds and fertilizers, the project aims to create a transparent environment for responsible land-based investments.
Ensuring Inclusive Growth
The initiative is a central component of the World Bank’s Agriconnect program, which aligns with Nigeria’s national priorities for job creation and economic diversification. Special emphasis is being placed on citizen engagement and accountability, with dedicated mechanisms to ensure that women and youth who often face the steepest barriers to entry in the agricultural economy are primary beneficiaries of the new funding and training opportunities.
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