…as Governor Sule describes event as historic
The Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSSAL), a World Bank assisted Project has launched its Community Revolving Fund (CRF) component in Nasarawa State, disbursing two hundred and fifty thousand dollars across ten selected communities in the state.
ACCReSAL disbursed the revolving loan an at elaborate ceremony held in Doma, headquarters of Doma Local Government Area on Saturday.
In her speech during the occassion, Iganya-Agene, Task Team Leader ACReSAL, disclosed that 620 beneficiaries comprising of 367 male and 253 female from the 10 communities of the two LGAs would be empowered under the CRF component of the project.
Iganya-Agene, who is also a Senior Environmental Specialist,World Bank Nigeria Office, said five communities each from the benefiting LGAs were selected for the gesture.
She explained that the CRF will support community groups and farmers in implementing community resilience initiatives, insuring sustainability beyond the life span of ACReSSAL project itself.
“Unlike a grant, the CRF operates a loan programme designed to support groups in implementing community resilience initiatives. The financial support is specifically targeted towards ACReSSAL registered communities and farmers group known as the CIGs across the state,” she added.
Flagging off the loan disbursement, Governor Abudillahi Sule described the event as historic, especially since it is the first time a community revolving fund scheme is being launched in Nasarawa State.
Governor Sule said the initiative is in line with the policy thrust of his administration, recalling that only last week, his administration distributed 23 tractors as well as farm inputs to 10, 000 farmers across the state.
The Governor emphasized that the CRF is a non interest loan and is expected to revolve and grow over time with the objective of improving the livelihoods of the people.
He said his administration is committed to providing resources and support for the people of the state towards cushioning the impact of climate change.
“As we all know, the certification came with declining agricultural productivity, food insecurity, conflicts, and poverty challenges, especially here in the northern part of the country. As we are aware, climate change events have a strong impact on our livelihoods. As rainfall especially in Nigeria is becoming variable, with more frequent extreme events, poverty is also increasing as a result of so many other challenges,” he said.
Governor Sule said it’s in view of this that his administration is partnering with the Federal Government and the World Bank through the ACReSSAL Project to help the vulnerable communities to adapt to the climatic impact, while improving the livelihoods of the people of the state.
He disclosed that under the project, thirty-three Community Interest Groups (CIGs) would benefit from across the ten communities of Doma, Ohiyen Mada Tiv, Yelwa area, Odorogyo, Alagye, Zono, Umaisha, Deregba, Ayiwawa, Sere, with a total number of 620 beneficiaries, 367 male and 253 females.
The Governor expressed optimism that with the success of the programme, Nasarawa State would witness improved agricultural production and food security, enhanced community welfare as a result of improved income, as well as record more employment opportunities among the communities.
He added that the project is also expected to enhance community and farmer groups capacity on climate smart agriculture through technology based innovation, increase community/farmers understanding of sustainable agricultural practice and address local conflicts and foster mutual understanding and peace, amongst other benefits.
The Governor appreciated the efforts of both the ACCReSAL task team and the Federal Government Management Unit (FGMU), for their interest and commitment that led to the selection of Nasarawa ACReSSAL as part of the eight pilot states for the scheme.
In a goodwill message, Dominque Koffy Kouacou, County Representative, Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, said his organization is currently working on the ACReSSAL project, aimed at rehabilitating 50, 000 hectares of land across the 19 states of Northern Nigeria.
“I want to confirm that FAO is here to collaborate with the government. We are ready to meet you to discuss with you and see exactly what effort we can do to support the population,” he said.
On her part, Nasarawa State Commissioner of Finance and Budget Planning, Hon. Munirat Abdullahi said the ACReSSAL project not only intends to rehabilitate landscape but also reduce the vulnerability of millions of the extreme poor in Northern Nigeria, empowering them to play a pivotal role in achieving environment sustainability.
Hon. Munirat added that the launching of the project in Nasarawa is a demonstration of the commitment of Governor Sule to align with the FG’s commitment to restore 4m hectares in the country by 2030.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to all our partners, the World Bank, FAO, and AFR100, amongst others, for their invaluable support. Together, we can make significant strides towards a more resilient and sustainable future for our communities,” she stated.
In a welcome address, Nasarawa State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Yakubu Kwanta noted that the implementation of the ACReSSAL project with the engagement of the community groups component of the project marks a turning point.
Hon. Kwanta particularly expressed satisfaction with the improvement in the project’s implementation design which has its additional component that impact on the livelihoods of affected people with huge investments for their sustainability, economic well-being which was missing in the defunct New Map project.
In a vote of thanks on behalf of the benefiting communities, the Andoma of Doma, HRH Ahmadu Oga Onawo, appreciated Governor Sule for his foresight and for investing in the project that is bringing tremendous benefits to the people of the state.
“Except that you made the sacrifice of investing in this initiative, the World Bank would not have found an enabling environment to come here. The United Nations would not have identified with you,” the Andoma said.
National Project Coordinator (NPC) of the ACReSAL project, Mr. Abdulhamid Umar, announced that ACReSAL projects will continue to approve projects that align to the project development objective for Nasarawa state and other states that have promptly paid their counterpart funds as a demonstration of commitment, support and love not only for the project but for the well being and good of their respective states.
The ACReSAL project is a multi-sectoral and multi-institutional scheme covering environment, agriculture, and water. It was designed by the Federal Government to combat desertification, restore degraded lands, and special ecosystems for agriculture and biodiversity conservation.