The World Bank has approved a $500 million International Development Association (IDA) credit to support Nigeria’s agricultural sector under the new Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains for Growth Project, also known as AGROW.
The programme is designed to boost productivity for smallholder farmers, strengthen value chains, improve market access, and create jobs, while enhancing food and nutrition security nationwide. The approval date for the loan was March 30, 2026.
“Agriculture remains Nigeria’s largest source of employment, yet low productivity, limited access to quality inputs, climate shocks, and weak market linkages have constrained its potential,” the bank said in a statement.
“AGROW aims to unlock these opportunities through a results-based matching grant facility supporting agribusinesses that source produce from smallholder farmers.”
The project will prioritise key crops such as rice, maize, cassava, and soybeans and focus on aggregation, post-harvest handling, agro-processing, and improved market access. It also plans to strengthen agricultural research and extension services, expand access to climate-resilient seeds, and establish a national digital farm and farmer registry.
Farmers are expected to benefit from digital advisory services, including localized weather and climate information, while regulatory improvements for seed and fertiliser supply will enhance private sector participation in the production of high-quality inputs.
Mathew Verghis, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, described AGROW as “a transformative step for Nigeria’s agriculture—empowering smallholder farmers, unlocking private sector–led growth, and strengthening food security sustainably.”
The six-year project, set to run from 2026 to 2032, is projected to benefit up to one million smallholder farmers and mobilise an additional $220 million in private agribusiness investment. It aligns with Nigeria’s objectives to boost agricultural productivity, create jobs, and transform smallholder farming into commercially viable agribusinesses.
