The Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project is fast becoming one of Nigeria’s most celebrated development success stories. An initiative reshaping degraded landscapes, boosting rural livelihoods, and easing long-standing social tensions across the country’s semi-arid belt.
Launched in 2022, ACReSAL was designed to help Nigeria restore one million hectares of degraded land as part of the Federal Government’s broader goal of recovering four million hectares by 2030. Barely three years in, the project has restored 843,889 hectares, representing an impressive 84.3 percent of its target, through afforestation, erosion control, irrigation support, drainage desilting and a wide array of civil works. Upholding the consideration of human impact at the centre of the progress.
Although the environmental numbers are headline-worthy, ACReSAL’s most profound achievements are tied to people. In rural communities where climate shocks, poor soil productivity and water scarcity have long driven poverty and conflict, the project is giving families new tools for dignified survival.
Over 275 tractors distributed across 14 states have reduced the back-breaking labor of farming and increased food production. In the FCT alone, proceeds from tractor-supported harvests have exceeded ₦9 million, while Benue farmers recorded over ₦5 million in additional earnings. In regions where water scarcity fuels both disease and conflict, particularly between farmers and pastoralists, ACReSAL has drilled 724 solar-powered boreholes, giving thousands of households reliable access to clean water. The result permeates through, reducing communal clashes, improved hygiene, enable new micro-enterprises built around water access, etc.
The Project’s Community Revolving Fund (CRF) is now active in 361 communities, supporting 18,371 people. Many of these people are women. Enabling investments in agricultural and climate-smart enterprises. With 8.7 million total beneficiaries, including 4.1 million women, the project’s reach is both broad and inclusive, powering positive marketplace of results.
These impacts came to life at the recent ACReSAL Marketplace in Abuja, where communities, state governments, ministries and development partners showcased the project’s on-the-ground achievements. Dr. Joy Agene, Senior Environmental Specialist at the World Bank and ACReSAL Task Team Leader, described the event as a living testament to how massive investments are reviving degraded watersheds and enabling communities to thrive in changing climatic conditions.
World Bank Environment Practice Manager, Mrs. Ellysar Baroudy, praised the project’s measurable results, calling ACReSAL a “glowing example” in the bank’s global portfolio.
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