WASHINGTON — The World Bank has approved the Paraíba Sustainable Rural Development Project – Phase II to support more inclusive and resilient growth in rural areas of the State of Paraíba, in Brazil’s Northeast. The project will help family farmers increase their incomes, strengthen their resilience to climate shocks, and access better infrastructure and rural services.
The operation includes US$50 million in financing from the World Bank, within a total project envelope of US$67.13 million when counterpart funding and beneficiary contributions are added. By boosting productivity, value addition, and market access for family farmers, the project is expected to support more and better jobs in rural areas, both on-farm and in associated activities such as processing, logistics, services, and rural infrastructure works.
“Once again, in partnership with the World Bank, our administration celebrates an important achievement for Paraíba’s family farmers with the approval of the second phase of the Sustainable Rural Development Program,” said João Azevêdo, Governor of Paraíba. “This new phase will expand access to water, reduce agroclimatic vulnerability, and strengthen market access, generating jobs and income while improving living conditions in rural communities. We are confident that this initiative will continue transforming lives and ensuring that families can remain and thrive in the countryside.”
“This project will help Paraíba’s family farmers access markets, adapt to a changing climate, and seize new economic opportunities in rural areas,” stated Cécile Fruman, World Bank Country Director for Brazil. “By investing in climate-smart production, rural connectivity, and stronger farmer organizations, the operation will support job creation, raise incomes, and improve living conditions for some of the state’s most vulnerable communities.”
The Project Development Objective is to improve market access and enhance the climate resilience of selected family farmer beneficiaries in Paraíba. The project forms Phase 4 of the World Bank’s Transforming Brazil’s Agrifood System Multiphase Programmatic Approach (MPA) and is fully aligned with Paraíba’s 2024-2027 Multi-Year Plan and the state’s strategies for sustainable rural development, water security, and climate resilience.
Key Areas of Support
The project will operate through four mutually reinforcing components:
- Strengthening Sustainable Production for Family Farmers
This component will finance climate-smart investments for family farmers and their organizations, including improved production systems, water management, renewable energy (such as solar and biodigesters), digital connectivity, and environmental recovery. By supporting productive alliances, processing facilities, storage, and access to markets, it will help farmers increase the value of their products and generate jobs along rural value chains.
- Improving Rural Accessibility and Reducing Climate Vulnerability
Targeted investments in rural access, such as small road improvements and water crossings, will help connect isolated communities to markets, schools, health services, and job opportunities year-round. These works will be prioritized in areas most exposed to floods and erosion, helping to protect livelihoods and reduce climate-related disruptions to economic activity.
- Technical Assistance and Capacity Building for Beneficiaries
The project will provide technical assistance, training, and exchange visits to help family farmers adopt climate-resilient technologies, improve business management, and strengthen producer organizations. Special emphasis will be placed on women, youth, Indigenous Peoples, and Quilombola communities, helping them access markets, finance, and better employment and leadership opportunities in rural organizations.
- Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Institutional Strengthening
Support to the Project Management Unit and partner institutions will ensure effective implementation, monitoring of results, and learning. The project will also strengthen state and local capacities for rural development, environmental management, and inclusive stakeholder engagement.
The project will be implemented by Projeto Cooperar, an autonomous entity linked to the State Secretariat for Family Farming and the Development of the Semi-Arid Region (SEAFDS), in close coordination with sectoral agencies. Over its six-year implementation period, the operation is expected to benefit family farmers and rural communities across most of Paraíba’s municipalities, with a strong focus on poor and extremely poor households, women-headed families, youth, and Traditional Peoples and Communities.
By combining climate-smart agriculture, improved rural connectivity, and stronger institutions, the Paraíba Sustainable Rural Development Project – Phase II will help unlock rural economic potential, support job creation, and build resilience in one of Brazil’s most climate-vulnerable regions.
