On Sunday, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State initiated the distribution of a $250,000 US dollar revolving loan facilitated by the World Bank’s Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) program to 620 farmers. The beneficiaries are selected from 10 communities across the state, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria.
Mr. Sule highlighted the state government’s recent efforts to enhance food production, including the distribution of 23 tractors and agricultural inputs to 10,000 farmers in the state.
Explaining the significance of the ACReSAL revolving interest-free fund, particularly its Community Climate Resilience (CCR) component, the governor emphasized its role in bolstering agricultural productivity and improving the livelihoods of the recipients. He specified that the 10 communities benefiting from this initiative are located in Doma and Toto Local Government Areas.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by climate change to both the environment and farmers’ livelihoods, Mr. Sule emphasized the importance of such interventions in alleviating these challenges.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to collaborating with partners to provide resources and support to mitigate the effects of climate change and alleviate poverty in the state. Through partnerships with the Federal Government and the World Bank via the ACReSAL project, vulnerable communities are being assisted in adapting to climate change impacts.
The governor outlined the expected outcomes of this support, including food security, increased income for communities, and employment opportunities, particularly for vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, women, and youth. Additionally, the project aims to enhance farmers’ capacity in climate-smart agriculture, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and address local conflicts to foster peace.
Mr. Sule emphasized that the financial assistance is targeted at registered ACReSAL communities and farmer groups across the state, with the revolving fund intended to support community-driven climate-resilient initiatives beyond the project’s lifespan.
Joy Iganya-Agene, the Task Team Leader of ACReSAL, provided details on the beneficiaries, comprising 367 men and 253 women from the 10 communities across the two local government areas.
In response, Aliyu Ogah, the Andoma of Doma, expressed gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries to the state government, Federal government, and the World Bank for their support, expressing optimism that it will contribute to increased productivity among farmers in the benefiting communities
Addressing attendees at the event held in Doma Local Government Area, the governor highlighted that the disbursement aligns with the joint vision of the Federal and state governments to aid farmers in combating the effects of climate change and enhancing food production.
