The World Bank has approved a $500 million International Development Association (IDA) credit to support Nigeria’s agricultural transformation through the Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains for Growth Project (AGROW). The project aims to increase smallholder farmers’ productivity, strengthen agricultural value chains, and create jobs while improving food and nutrition security.

Key focus areas include rice, maize, cassava, and soybeans, with improvements to seed and fertilizer regulatory systems, early-generation seed supply, and private sector production of high-quality inputs. Up to 1 million smallholder farmers are expected to benefit, with the project attracting an additional $220 million in private agribusiness investment.

The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s priorities of boosting agricultural productivity, creating jobs, and enhancing value addition. It supports efforts to transition smallholder farming into commercially viable agribusinesses, contributing to the country’s economic growth and development.