Nigeria, a nation grappling with the dual challenges of food insecurity and land degradation, particularly in its northern regions, is embarking on a transformative journey towards agricultural resilience. In partnership with the World Bank, the Nigerian government is spearheading the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) program, a $500 million initiative aimed at revitalizing degraded land, boosting agricultural productivity, and enhancing community resilience in the face of climate change. Central to this ambitious endeavor is the strategic expansion of rainwater harvesting, a technique poised to revolutionize agricultural practices in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, areas most vulnerable to desertification and erratic rainfall patterns. By harnessing and storing floodwaters, the initiative aims to facilitate all-season farming, reduce dependence on unpredictable rain-fed agriculture, and contribute to the restoration of degraded forests, thereby enhancing both ecological and economic stability.
The ACReSAL program, launched in 2021, has already demonstrated significant progress, reclaiming 200,000 hectares of degraded land, representing nearly a fifth of its ultimate goal of restoring one million hectares. This initial success has yielded tangible benefits, including increased crop yields and enhanced community resilience. Highlighting the program’s early achievements, the World Bank’s ACReSAL task team leader expressed satisfaction with the first two years of implementation, citing innovative approaches like the Halfmoon regenerative agriculture model in Adamawa and effective flood mitigation measures implemented in Katsina and Kaduna. These early wins underscore the program’s potential to transform agricultural practices and bolster food security in Nigeria’s vulnerable northern regions.
Aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes agricultural transformation as a key driver of economic growth, ACReSAL holds the promise of significantly contributing to Nigeria’s economic development. By equipping communities with sustainable farming techniques and strengthening food systems across the north, the program aims to lay the foundation for a more climate-resilient Nigeria. The focus on rainwater harvesting is a pragmatic response to the country’s complex interplay of flooding and drought, both of which have severely disrupted agricultural output in a country where farming constitutes approximately a quarter of the GDP. The success of ACReSAL is therefore not only crucial for food security but also for the overall economic stability of the nation.
The ACReSAL project, a collaborative effort involving the ministries of environment, agriculture, and water resources, as well as the active participation of 19 state governors, adopts an integrated approach encompassing dryland management, community resilience building, and institutional reforms. Targeting over one million direct beneficiaries and aiming to achieve 60-70% of its land restoration target by 2026, the initiative exemplifies Nigeria’s commitment to harmonizing environmental sustainability with economic development. This integrated approach recognizes the interconnectedness of environmental and economic well-being, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the livelihoods of the communities involved.
Despite the early successes and ambitious goals, the ACReSAL program faces significant challenges that need to be addressed to ensure its long-term sustainability and impact. Strengthening inter-ministerial coordination and securing sustained funding are crucial for scaling up the necessary infrastructure for rainwater capture. Effective governance and stakeholder alignment are also essential for successful implementation. The scale of the project necessitates robust coordination among various government bodies and sustained financial commitment to ensure the continued expansion and maintenance of rainwater harvesting infrastructure. Moreover, fostering collaboration and alignment among diverse stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, and international partners, is critical for achieving the program’s ambitious objectives.
The World Bank’s support for ACReSAL underscores the growing global recognition of the importance of climate-smart agriculture in Africa, a continent grappling with widespread food insecurity. As Nigeria confronts escalating food inflation, the success of ACReSAL holds the potential to serve as a blueprint for other semi-arid regions facing similar challenges. By demonstrating the effectiveness of rainwater harvesting and other sustainable agricultural practices, the program can inspire and inform similar initiatives across the continent, contributing to a more food-secure and resilient future for Africa. The program’s success could pave the way for wider adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, offering a pathway towards sustainable development and improved food security in vulnerable regions.
