The Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), launched in 2013 with funding from the International Development Association (IDA) under the World Bank, was designed to address severe soil erosion and watershed degradation across Nigeria. The project’s goals included reducing erosion vulnerability, enhancing environmental resilience, and improving livelihoods in affected communities. Its specific objectives focus on reducing vulnerability to soil erosion in targeted sub-watersheds, thereby promoting sustainable land management and strengthening the capacity of communities to adapt to environmental challenges.

The project is composed of two components:

Component1: Erosion and Watershed Management Infrastructure Investments

This component supports on-the-ground interventions to restore major, high-risk gully systems and reduce vulnerability to further land degradation. The primary focus is to (i) stabilize severe erosion sites, and/or (ii) prevent emerging erosion problems early while intervention costs are relatively low, while also (iii) improving preparedness for landslides and floods. Physical interventions will include a range of engineering/structural and vegetative measures, supported by participatory sub-watershed planning and extensive communications and outreach. Read more