AfDB Nigeria Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Phase I Project
Adaptation Need
Nigeria possesses significant agricultural potential, yet the sector faces major constraints including low crop yields, high post-harvest losses (estimated at 30–50%), limited agro-processing capacity, and inadequate infrastructure. Climate change is a key contributing factor to these challenges, as the country’s agriculture remains predominantly rainfed and highly vulnerable to increasing rainfall variability. Unpredictable weather patterns hinder farmers’ ability to plan effectively, leading to reduced productivity, weak competitiveness in local food production, rising food import bills, persistent poverty and unemployment, and low levels of private sector investment in the agro-industry.
GCA’s Added Value
GCA, in collaboration with PricewaterhouseCoopers, conducted a labor market study to assess the potential for creating adaptation jobs in Nigeria under the SAPZ project. The study produced an adaptation jobs taxonomy, a framework for mainstreaming adaptation jobs, and identified critical skills needed to support youth employment in climate adaptation across key sectors.
Project goals
Mainstreaming Adaptation and Resilience
GCA has mainstreamed adaptation and resilience in Nigeria by generating evidence that prioritizes the agriculture sector—identified by all 15 African countries assessed as the most climate-vulnerable and economically critical. Through its labor market study, GCA identified key adaptation sectors, mapped essential skills, and developed a framework for embedding adaptation jobs into national planning. In response to Nigeria’s climate-induced agricultural challenges—such as low yields, high post-harvest losses, and declining sectoral employment—GCA’s work highlights targeted opportunities for job creation, skill development, and inclusive growth, especially for youth and women. These efforts strengthen the resilience of livelihoods and lay the groundwork for increased private sector investment in climate-smart agriculture.
Expected Outcomes
GCA’s support for the African Development Bank and Federal Government of Nigeria will reinforce the project’s outcomes:
- 500,000 jobs Created (100,000 Direct/400,000 indirect)
- 30% adaptation jobs (150,000)
- 10,000 SMEs supported
Timeline
GCA Support Status
Technical Assistance Preparation
GCA Support Implementation
March, 2022
GCA Support Completion
Monitoring
Finance
Project Investment Value
Total Investment Value
IFI Investment Value
$520.00M
Other Investment Value
$18.05M
IFI partners
Contacts
General media inquiries
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