Food security: FG disburses N12bn, reclaims northern farmland
As part of a broad strategy to bolster food security and climate resilience, the Federal Government of Nigeria has reclaimed 178,235 hectares of degraded land and disbursed over ₦12 billion to agricultural communities across northern Nigeria. This was disclosed by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, during the 2025 ministerial press briefing in Abuja.
The intervention, channeled through the Community Revolving Fund Programme under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project—backed by the World Bank—is designed to tackle climate vulnerability while accelerating productivity in key agricultural zones.
According to Lawal, the programme has directly reached 9,648 beneficiaries (comprising 5,397 men and 4,251 women), strengthening on-farm and off-farm livelihoods across 345 communities in 15 states. The initiative spans a broad value chain scope—from production and processing to marketing and storage.
ACReSAL’s multi-sectoral design includes stewardship from the Ministries of Environment, Agriculture and Food Security, and Water Resources and Sanitation, with implementation support at national and sub-national levels.
In addition to funding, the project has distributed critical farming tools and inputs—including 245 tractors, 1,450 tillers, and equipment such as solar-powered irrigation pumps, drought-resistant seedlings, organic fertilizers, and harvesting crates—benefiting 56,873 farmers across participating states.
On the environmental front, the project has equipped the National Park Service with 11 patrol vehicles and 6 ranger posts to combat forest crime and improve wildlife security. The minister reported that 1 million Nigerians have directly benefited from the project, with women accounting for nearly 50% of the reach, and over 13 million recorded as indirect beneficiaries.
In a related development, the Federal Government has signed an agreement with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) to conduct Nigeria’s most comprehensive agricultural survey under the global 50×2030 Initiative, aimed at closing critical agri-data gaps.
Source: Punch Newspapers
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
The ACReSAL intervention stands out as a flagship model for climate-smart agriculture in Nigeria, combining land restoration, climate resilience, and inclusive agribusiness support. Its multi-sectoral approach has demonstrated how coordinated efforts can effectively address food security and environmental challenges in the semi-arid north.
Below are key strategic implications and recommendations for agri-food stakeholders:
- Restoration as a Pathway to Regeneration
Reclaiming 178,000+ hectares of degraded land signals a major shift toward land restoration-led food production. Agribusiness actors and cooperatives should leverage this opportunity to partner in agroforestry, grazing management, and soil rehabilitation enterprises.
- Decentralized Agricultural Financing Works
The disbursement model via community revolving funds proves that localized agricultural financing, especially for off-grid rural economies, can accelerate productivity. This model should be replicated in other regions, supported by micro-finance institutions and agritech platforms.
- Gender Balance and Inclusive Growth
With women comprising nearly half of direct beneficiaries, ACReSAL sets a new benchmark for gender equity in agri-development. Women-led agri-enterprises, especially in processing and post-harvest storage, should now be prioritized for additional support and scale.
- Equipment Distribution Is Not Enough—Support Services Matter
While the provision of mechanization tools (e.g., tractors, tillers) is commendable, stakeholders must also demand sustainable support services: operator training, maintenance hubs, fuel access, and shared-use models that keep machinery functional year-round.
- Data-Driven Agriculture is the Future
The partnership with the NBS under the 50×2030 Initiative is a game-changer. Reliable agri-data will inform better policymaking, enable digital agriculture solutions, and attract private sector financing. Stakeholders must advocate for open-access dashboards and state-level data dissemination.
- Environmental Intelligence for Agribusiness
Supporting the National Park Service with ranger posts and patrol vehicles helps secure Nigeria’s agro-ecological corridors. Agribusiness planners should integrate environmental risk intelligence into their expansion strategies—especially in forest-adjacent zones.
Conclusion
The ACReSAL project is not just an intervention; it is a blueprint for climate-resilient agri-development in semi-arid regions. For state governments, agripreneurs, financiers, and donor partners, this is the time to align with scalable models that merge ecological restoration with agrifood system transformation. The long-term impact will depend on community ownership, digital monitoring, and private sector integration.
