ACReSAL is well positioned to contribute to short-term, medium-term, and long-term food security in Nigeria
June 17, 2025
With evidence-based impact recorded in Benue State and across other participating states, the project is playing a key role in food security in Nigeria.
Speaking in Benue State during the ongoing joint World Bank Federal Government of Nigeria Implementation Support Mission in Benue State, the Task Team Leader for ACReSAL and Senior Environmental Specialist at the World Bank, Dr. Joy Iganya Agene revealed that ACReSAL is well positioned to contribute to short-term, medium-term, and long-term food security in Nigeria, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Agenda on Agriculture.
“Beyond training the farmers on Climate Smart Agriculture Practices and distribution of farm inputs such as improved seedlings, there is mechanised agriculture tools to help farmers with speed. ACReSAL is ensuring that farmers have access to tractors on the ground and other modern tools to help contribute to food security in Nigeria.”
She noted that communities in the project’s target areas are well mobilized and have a strong understanding of ACReSAL’s objectives. The project provides equipment that will enhance sustainability, boost farm yields, and increase farmers’ incomes.
She said in Benue state rice farmers that struggle to harvest only about 60 bags of 100kg on 3 hectares for a season over 4 years now harvest 200 bags of 100kg on 10 hectares in one season. This increase is as a result of the training, improved seedlings, and financial support they received from the ACReSAL Project.
She said that the mission team is impressed with the progress on the ground and noted that without the support of the government, there is no way a project will function while applauding the buy-in of the government and all stakeholders.
Comrade Philip Swende, 41 years old, married with 3 children, is the President of Kentors Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited in North Bank Community Makurdi, Benue State informed the mission team that the Co-operative has been involved in rice production over the years, with a farm size of 3 hectares per annum and a yield of about 60 bags of 100kg. He said the impact of the ACReSAL intervention has been significant, resulting in an increase in farm size from 3 to 10 hectares, an increase in rice yield/production from 60 to 200 bags of 100kg each, and the adoption of Climate Smart Agricultural practices. This has also led to climate resilience and expansion of members of the co-operative from 25 to 73 members.
Rosemary Nnenna, Financial Secretary of New Bridge Women Rice Sellers in Makurdi, shares the transformative impact of ACReSAL on her group. “Our group is into rice processing and selling,” she says. Before ACReSAL’s intervention, they would buy an average of seven bags of rice weekly, struggling to make ends meet, pay school fees, and cover other family essentials.
However, with ACReSAL’s soft loan, they’ve experienced a remarkable turnaround. “We can now buy 30 to 35 bags weekly,” Rosemary reports. From her savings, she has expanded her business, bought a sewing machine and her group has successfully repaid the loan, enabling others to benefit.
She said before ACReSAL, their 6-month profit ranged from ₦100,000 to ₦300,000. With ACReSAL’s support, they’ve recorded a staggering ₦2,100,000 in profit within just six months!
The mission team also visited Baka, Isherev Community where a borehole was provided by a community and some proposed gully restoration sites.
ACReSAL: greening the environment, saving lives
