The Role of World Bank-Supported Agricultural Development Projects in Nigeria's Agricultural Sector

This study examined the role of World Bank-supported Agricultural Development Projects (ADPs) in the development of Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Specifically, the study assessed the activities and contributions of the interventions to food production, livestock development, agricultural infrastructure, forestry and fisheries, and examined the challenges affecting programme implementation. A qualitative historical research design was adopted, drawing on primary and secondary sources. Primary data were generated through interviews with relevant stakeholders, including farmers, government officials, traditional leaders, and World Bank personnel, while secondary data were obtained from books, journal articles, policy documents, official reports, and related materials. Data were analyzed descriptively and thematically. The findings indicate that World Bank-supported ADPs contributed to agricultural productivity, farmer capacity building, technology dissemination, extension services, rural infrastructure, and selected agricultural subsectors. However, the achievements were partial and uneven because programme implementation was constrained by inadequate infrastructure, limited coverage, weak access to markets and agricultural inputs, insecurity, and governance-related challenges. The study further found that donor-supported agricultural interventions could not independently address Nigeria’s broader rural development and agricultural transformation challenges. The study concludes that World Bank-supported ADPs made meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s agricultural sector but were more effective as complementary interventions than as substitutes for sustained government investment and institutional commitment. The study recommends stronger government–development partner collaboration, improved transparency and accountability, expanded programme coverage, increased rural infrastructure investment, and greater attention to local agricultural needs.