The World Bank has approved a $500 million International Development Association (IDA) credit to support Nigeria’s agricultural sector under the Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Value-Chains for Growth Project, also known as AGROW. The initiative aims to enhance productivity, strengthen value chains, and improve food and nutrition security across the country.
The funding, approved on March 30, 2026, targets smallholder farmers, agribusinesses, and key crops such as rice, maize, cassava, and soybeans. The project will support post-harvest handling, agro-processing, market access, and provide results-based matching grants to agribusinesses sourcing from smallholder farmers.
AGROW also focuses on strengthening agricultural research and extension services, providing climate-resilient seeds, and establishing a national digital farm and farmer registry. Digital advisory services, including localized weather and climate information, will help farmers increase yields and resilience to climate shocks.
The project, scheduled to run from 2026 to 2032, is expected to benefit up to one million smallholder farmers and mobilize an additional $220 million in private agribusiness investment. Women and youth inclusion, citizen engagement, and strong monitoring mechanisms will be key components of the programme.
Mathew Verghis, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, described AGROW as “a transformative step for Nigeria’s agriculture—empowering farmers, unlocking private-sector-led growth, and strengthening food security in a sustainable way.”
The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader goals of boosting agricultural productivity, creating jobs, enhancing value addition, and transitioning smallholder farming into commercially viable agribusinesses.
