NADF, GIZ Champion Climate-Smart, Gender-Inclusive Financing to Revolutionize Nigerian Agriculture

In a bold move to revolutionize Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, the Nigeria Agribusiness Development Fund (NADF), in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), is championing gender-inclusive and climate-smart financing models to empower smallholder farmers and agribusinesses across the country.

The strategic partnership seeks to address critical challenges in the agricultural sector, particularly climate vulnerability and the underrepresentation of women in agribusiness financing. Through innovative funding mechanisms and policy advocacy, NADF and GIZ aim to unlock sustainable growth opportunities, increase productivity, and promote equitable access to resources.

Speaking at a recent stakeholder forum in Abuja, representatives from both organizations emphasized the urgent need for financing solutions that are not only climate-resilient but also inclusive of women, who represent a significant portion of Nigeria’s agricultural workforce but often lack access to formal credit.

“Gender-inclusive financing is not just about equity—it’s smart economics,” said [Insert Name], a representative from GIZ. “When women farmers have equal access to resources, they invest more in their families and communities. Coupling this with climate-smart practices ensures long-term sustainability for Nigeria’s food systems.”

The initiative will focus on expanding access to finance for women-led agribusinesses, promoting low-emission technologies, and building capacity among stakeholders to implement climate-resilient agricultural strategies. The partners also plan to engage with financial institutions, development partners, and government agencies to align efforts and scale impact.

Executive Director of NADF noted that the program is part of a broader effort to reposition agriculture as a viable, inclusive, and climate-resilient economic sector. “We are driving a paradigm shift—from traditional agriculture to agribusinesses that are bankable, green, and gender-sensitive,” he said.

This collaboration is a significant step in line with Nigeria’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), while reinforcing the country’s food security and economic resilience.

As climate change continues to threaten agricultural productivity, the NADF-GIZ initiative offers a promising model for how inclusive, adaptive financing can help transform challenges into opportunities for Nigeria’s agricultural future.