Abuja: The World Bank has ranked Nigeria’s Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project among its most successful and a model for Africa. The Bank’s Practice Manager for Environment in West Africa and the Sahel, Ms. Ellysa Baroudy, gave the commendation during a visit to Kwali Area Council of the FCT.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, Baroudy noted that the initiative had combined climate action, landscape restoration, and livelihood support in a way that delivered tangible results. She emphasized the project’s success in deploying resources effectively to make a difference in people’s lives, highlighting its achievements in tackling land degradation, empowering women, boosting food production, and transforming vulnerable communities.

Baroudy expressed her amazement at the diversity of cultures and agricultural practices and was impressed by the positive impact on women’s livelihoods. She also praised the visible changes in the landscape and the reduction in erosion gullies, acknowledging the tremendous work accomplished by the ACReSAL team.

The Task Team Leader of ACReSAL, Dr. Joy Agene, emphasized the World Bank’s commitment to mobilizing resources for climate resilience and environmental sustainability. Mr. Abdullahi Ango, Mandate Secretary of FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, described the project as a ‘game-changer’ in addressing land degradation and improving agricultural productivity.

Mrs. Caroline Opara, FCT Project Coordinator, highlighted Kwali as the focal point of ACReSAL’s intervention, attributing its success to the leadership of the Etsu of Kwali, Mr. Luka Nizassan III. Nizassan, in turn, commended the World Bank’s investment and pledged the community’s commitment to sustaining the project.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that ACReSAL, supported by the World Bank, is being implemented across 19 northern states and the FCT to address environmental challenges and improve livelihoods in Nigeria’s semi-arid regions.