World Bank Endorses Nigeria’s ACReSAL As Model For Africa's Land Restoration

News in brief:

-The World Bank praised ACReSAL for tackling land degradation, boosting food production, and empowering communities, especially women, in semi-arid regions of Nigeria.

-With support from local leaders, the project is already transforming livelihoods through farm inputs, solar-powered infrastructure, and community-driven ownership.

Nigeria’s Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project has caught global attention, with the World Bank describing it as one of its most successful interventions in recent years. The programme, which targets 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), is recognised for restoring degraded land, boosting food production, and improving the livelihoods of vulnerable communities.

During an engagement with residents of Kwali in the FCT, Ellysa Baroudy, the World Bank’s Practice Manager for Environment in West Africa and the Sahel, hailed ACReSAL as a “model for Africa.” She explained that, unlike many large-scale programmes that struggle to achieve long-term results, ACReSAL has exceeded expectations.

Tackling Land Degradation and Climate Challenges

According to Baroudy, the project is unique because it integrates climate action, landscape restoration, and livelihood support. She noted that the results are visible across communities, from women-led initiatives to improved farmlands.

“I was touched by the women’s voices and hearing how this project had made a change to their livelihoods,” she said. “I was impressed with seeing before and after photos of the changes in the landscape and the reduction in the gullies. You knew how to deploy the resources, and they are really there to make a difference to people’s lives.”

For farmers in semi-arid parts of Nigeria, land degradation has long meant poor yields, soil erosion, and rising poverty. By addressing these challenges, ACReSAL is giving agriculture a stronger base while empowering local communities to take charge of their future.

A Strong Example of Community Ownership

Dr Joy Agene, the World Bank Task Team Leader for ACReSAL, stressed that Baroudy’s visit to Nigeria reflects the institution’s deep commitment to resource mobilisation in areas such as water management, forestry, and environmental sustainability.

Community ownership has been at the heart of the project’s success. Baroudy described her reception in Kwali as a sign that residents truly see ACReSAL as their own.

Mrs Caroline Opara, Project Coordinator of FCT ACReSAL, echoed this, explaining that Kwali had become the “heart of ACReSAL interventions” in the FCT. She credited traditional leaders, especially the Etsu of Kwali, for driving community participation.

Local Leaders Welcome Transformative Impact

Comrade Abdullahi Suleiman Ango, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, described ACReSAL as a “game-changer” for the territory. He pointed to interventions such as:

• Provision of machinery and agricultural inputs to farmers
• Solar-powered boreholes and lighting
• Community Revolving Fund for households

“These efforts are already lifting families out of poverty and stimulating growth,” Ango said, promising that the FCTA would encourage Area Councils to work closely with project teams for smooth implementation.

For his part, the Etsu of Kwali praised the World Bank for investing in what he called a “noble venture with good results.” He pledged that his community would sustain the project even after its current life cycle, stressing the need for long-term ownership and accountability.

“We don’t just want to be part of the project, we want to own it,” he said. “This will make the project sustainable. We want you to return even after the program expires and see if it’s working better than you left it.”