World Bank’s Practice Manager Applauds ACReSAL’s Strides in Transforming Nigerian Communities

Ellysar Baroudy, the World Bank’s Practice Manager for Environment in West Africa and the Sahel, has praised the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project for its remarkable achievements in land restoration, climate resilience and transformative impact in the livelihood of communities across the Federal Capital Territory.

Baroudy made the commendation during an implementation support mission to FCT ACReSAL project sites and engagements with local communities in the Kwali Area Council.

The delegation’s first stop was the palace of the Etsu of Kwali, His Royal Highness Luka Ayedo Nazassan 111, where they paid homage and discussed the project’s impact in FCT.

In her remarks, Baroudy said the ACReSAL Project was one of the Bank’s most successful interventions, noting that it had combined climate action, landscape restoration and livelihood support to achieve tangible outcomes.

“We do not always have successful projects, but this is a successful project. You knew how to deploy the resources and they are really there to make a difference to people’s lives,” she said.

She explained that the project exceeded expectations by tackling land degradation, empowering women, boosting food production and transforming vulnerable communities into active participants in climate resilience.

“I am truly amazed by the diversity of the cultures, the diversity of agricultural practices and the diversity of the states. I was touched by the women’s voices and hearing how this project had made a change to their livelihoods.

“I was impressed with seeing before and after photos of the changes in the landscape and the reduction in the gullies. So I know that you have all done a tremendous amount of work,” she added.

Baroudy thanked the ‘ACReSAL family’ for their efforts, saying the warm reception in Kwali was a reflection of strong community ownership of the project.

The World Bank ACReSAL Project Task Team Leader, Dr Joy Agene, who was also part of the delegation, said the visit underscored the bank’s commitment to mobilising resources for climate resilience, water resources, forestry and environmental sustainability.

Also speaking at the event, Mandate Secretary, of the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Comrade Abdullahi Suleiman Ango, described the project as a “game-changer” , explaining how the project aligns with FCT Administration’s strategic efforts to combat large-scale land degradation, an issue exacerbated by rapid urbanization and population growth.

He further stated that, ACReSAL’s integrated approach to landscape restoration and climate adaptation is helping to reverse decades of environmental degradation while empowering communities to build sustainable livelihoods.

Ango revealed that the FCT was already witnessing the transformative impact of the project through the provision of machinery, inputs for farmers, solar-powered boreholes and a Community Revolving Fund, tree planting among others.

Earlier, the FCT ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Mrs Caroline Opara, said Kwali had become “the heart” of ACReSAL’s intervention, with every component of the project implemented there.

She attributed the successes recorded in the area to the leadership of the traditional institutions, praising the Etsu of Kwali, whose personal involvement she said helped to strengthen community ownership and participation.

In his remarks, Etsu Nizassam applauded ACReSAL for its tangible impact on rural communities, specifically highlighting interventions in agricultural mechanization and livelihood support initiatives. He noted that the interventions have not only improved productivity but also rekindled hope for a better future among residents of rural communities in the FCT.

“I congratulate the World Bank for this well-thought-out initiative,” the royal father stated, assuring the delegation of the continuous support of traditional institutions, which he described as crucial to the project’s successful implementation and sustainability.

In a symbolic gesture of appreciation, the Etsu conferred the traditional title of Boki Kwali, (Friend of Kwali) on the Practice Manager and Dago Kwali also meaning (Friend of Kwali) on the Task Team Leader.

The visit culminated with trips to Pukafa Community and the Sheda Women Cassava Processing Centre, where the delegation engaged directly with beneficiaries, gaining a firsthand glimpse of ACReSAL’s impactful interventions.

With visible enthusiasm, the beneficiaries expressed deep gratitude to the World Bank and the FCT Administration for the interventions. They also assured the delegation of their commitment to sustaining the projects investments, ensuring its long-term benefits.

ACReSAL…greening the environment, saving lives