The Federal Government has unveiled plans to expand the World Bank-backed Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project to strengthen food security and climate resilience across Nigeria.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, at the ACReSAL retreat in Lagos where he said the project, currently focused on 19 northern states and the FCT, is already tackling desertification, land degradation, and climate-induced farming challenges. He stressed the need to build on these gains.
“We believe that rainwater harvesting is a significant area where ACReSAL could expand its efforts. It will promote all-season farming, reduce dependence on rain-fed agriculture, and ensure water availability to support forest restoration,” the minister said.
He added that harnessing rainwater could help convert flooding threats into valuable resources for agriculture. He also praised the project’s progress in restoring degraded lands and improving food systems in vulnerable areas.
Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Dr. Sabi Aliyu Abdullahi, also praised ACReSAL. “Through collective efforts, we have revitalized degraded lands, strengthened food systems, and promoted sustainable agriculture,” he said. “By tackling land degradation and climate challenges, we are not only improving livelihoods but also laying the foundation for a more resilient and food-secure Nigeria.”
World Bank’s Dr. Joy Iganya Agene, who leads the ACReSAL Task Team, expressed satisfaction with the project’s pace. “Today, we can say that the ship has sailed. In just two years, we have restored nearly 200,000 hectares of degraded land out of our 1 million-hectare target,” she said.
Agene also highlighted successes in regenerative farming in Adamawa and flood control in Katsina and Kaduna. “These interventions have not only improved land productivity but have also prevented loss of lives in flood-prone communities,” she added.
Leave a comment