The Digest: The World Bank has approved a $500 million International Development Association credit to boost Nigeria's agricultural sector under the Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains for Growth Project, also known as AGROW. The six-year project aims to increase smallholder farmers' productivity, strengthen agricultural value chains, create jobs, and improve food and nutrition security. The initiative will focus on key crops including rice, maize, cassava, and soybeans, and is expected to benefit up to one million smallholder farmers while attracting an additional $220 million in private agribusiness investment.
Key Points:
- The $500 million credit will support smallholder farmers across Nigeria over six years (2026-2032).
- The project focuses on rice, maize, cassava, and soybeans value chains.
- Up to one million smallholder farmers are expected to benefit.
- The initiative aims to attract $220 million in private agribusiness investment.
- Nigeria's exposure to the World Bank Group stood at $19.54 billion as of September 2025.
As Nigeria seeks to transform its agricultural sector, the World Bank's AGROW project offers a pathway to improved productivity and food security, though success will depend on effective implementation and private sector engagement.
Sources: The Punch, Vanguard
