Nigeria's ACReSAL Project Tackles Climate Resilience

The ACReSAL Project in Nigeria is a significant initiative aimed at addressing land degradation and enhancing climate resilience in semi-arid landscapes. Supported by the World Bank, the project is designed to increase sustainable landscape management practices and strengthen environmental resilience.

As of April 2026, it aims to restore 922,717 hectares of degraded land, directly benefiting 9.3 million people, with a focus on women, who represent 48.9% of participants. The project targets 19 northern states, where nearly 70 million people face desertification and climate risks.

It employs integrated watershed management approaches and community-driven interventions to reverse desert encroachment and improve agricultural practices. The project has reported a 3.6% increase in vegetation cover and has developed 20 catchment management plans.

Additionally, it aims to reduce deforestation and promote climate-smart agriculture, contributing to Nigeria's commitments under the Paris Agreement.