Nigeria

Project overview

Nigeria’s food systems are central to the country’s economy, employing over a third of the population and contributing significantly to GDP. The country’s diverse ecosystems support a wide range of agricultural production, including crops, livestock and aquaculture. 

However, current production systems are often unsustainable and drive environmental degradation, including deforestation, soil fertility decline, and biodiversity loss. Rapid population growth, climate change, weak governance, and limited access to finance further exacerbate these pressures, contributing to food insecurity, poverty and declining ecosystem services. 

The Niger–Benue River system plays a critical role in supporting agriculture, fisheries and livestock production, particularly in fertile floodplain landscapes. At the same time, these areas face increasing pressure from unsustainable land use, wetland conversion, overgrazing and inappropriate agricultural practices. 

In response, the Government of Nigeria is advancing food system transformation through its national pathways and participation in the GEF-8 Food Systems Integrated Program. This project supports that transition by promoting integrated, sustainable and climate-resilient food systems that deliver environmental and socio-economic benefits. 

Our approach

The project adopts a systems-based and landscape approach to transform food systems across crops, livestock and aquaculture.

It strengthens governance by improving cross-sector coordination and aligning policies and investments with national food systems transformation pathways. The project also enhances access to finance through inclusive investment platforms and innovative financial instruments that support smallholder farmers, women and youth.

At the landscape level, the project promotes integrated management of floodplain ecosystems, including sustainable land management practices, restoration of riparian zones and adoption of climate-resilient production systems. It supports improved practices in rice, livestock and aquaculture systems, while strengthening value chains and market access for sustainably produced food.

Knowledge generation, innovation and capacity development are central to the approach, supporting behavioral change and scaling of sustainable practices. The project emphasizes inclusion, ensuring equitable participation and benefits for smallholders, women and vulnerable groups.

Sites

The project will be implemented in floodplain landscapes along the Niger–Benue River system, covering parts of Kebbi and Niger States, as well as selected local government areas within these regions.