The initiative aims to raise productivity among smallholder farmers, strengthen agricultural value chains, create jobs and improve food and nutrition security across the country.
Agriculture remains Nigeria’s largest employer, yet poor productivity, limited access to quality inputs, climate shocks and weak market linkages continue to hold the sector back. Millions of smallholder farmers remain trapped in subsistence farming, while food insecurity persists in many parts of the country.
The AGROW project is designed to address these constraints by supporting agribusinesses that commit to sourcing produce from smallholder farmers. This will be achieved through a results‑based matching grant facility focused on aggregation, post‑harvest handling, agro‑processing and improved market access. Priority value chains include rice, maize, cassava and soybeans.
The programme will also invest in strengthening agricultural research and extension services, expanding access to improved and climate‑resilient seeds and establishing a national digital registry of farms and farmers. Participating farmers will benefit from digital advisory services, including localised weather and climate information, to improve productivity and resilience.
In addition, AGROW will support reforms to seed and fertiliser regulatory systems, expand early‑generation seed supply and enhance private sector production of high‑quality seed. Measures to improve access to quality fertiliser and promote transparent and responsible land‑based investments are also included. Strong monitoring, coordination and citizen engagement mechanisms will support accountability, with a particular focus on women and youth.
“AGROW is a transformative step for Nigeria’s agriculture,” said Mathew Verghis, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria. “It empowers smallholder farmers, unlocks private sector‑led growth and strengthens food security in a sustainable way.”
The World Bank estimates the project will benefit up to one million smallholder farmers, mobilise an additional $220 million in private agribusiness investment and raise yields across targeted crops.
The six‑year programme, running from 2026 to 2032, aligns with Nigeria’s development priorities and forms a core part of the World Bank’s Agriconnect initiative to shift smallholder farming from subsistence to commercially viable agribusiness.
–WorldBank/ChannelAfrica–
