No fewer than 101 communities in Yobe State have each received 25000 US dollars (about N38.3 million) as a non interest World Bank loan through the Agro Climatic Resilience in Semi Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project to boost agricultural resilience and livelihoods.
The ACReSAL State Coordinator Alhaji Shehu Mohammed made this known at the signing of a Memorandum of Acceptance with 101 scale up communities to enable them access a non interest Community Revolving Fund loan in Damaturu.
Mohammed said that the current phase would benefit 482 farmers and community groups comprising 7340 direct beneficiaries involving 4857 males and 2483 females.
He said that each of the 101 communities would receive 25000 US dollars (about N38.3 million) totalling 2525000 US dollars (about N3.8 billion).
According to him, the gesture was aimed at enhancing agricultural resilience and livelihoods. Mohammed said the initiative marks a significant phase in empowering climate vulnerable farming communities across the 17 local government areas of Yobe.
He stated that the loan which follows the successful pilot disbursement to 10 communities was designed to stimulate economic activities, enhance farmers’ incomes and promote responsible financial management.
The State Coordinator said that the facility was in line with global best practices and the World Bank supported ACReSAL objectives of reversing environmental degradation and promoting climate smart agriculture in Northern Nigeria.
“Today’s event is more than a ceremonial signing. It signals a new phase of sustainability and resilience building for our farming communities” Mohammed said.
He said that the World Bank gave a “no objection” for scaling up after a 65 per cent recovery rate was recorded from the pilot phase. He also lauded the commitment of Gov Mai Mala Buni of Yobe who has consistently driven the successful implementation of ACReSAL in the state.
“We also appreciate the World Bank, the Federal Project Management Unit FPMU the Ministry of Environment, the Yobe State House of Assembly and our community leaders for their guidance throughout this journey,” he added.
In his remarks Alhaji Sidi Karasuwa the state’s Commissioner for Environment who is also Chairman of the State Steering Committee described the initiative as a bold step toward agricultural transformation and rural empowerment.
He recalled the symbolic presentation of CRF cheques was launched by Buni in January marking the beginning of the second phase after the initial intervention in two micro watersheds.
“This fund is more than financial support; it is a tool for transformation. It enables our farmers to expand operations, adopt modern techniques and increase productivity” Karasuwa said.
He urged the beneficiaries to utilise the funds wisely and to comply strictly with the approved business plans.
Karasuwa also stressed the importance of prompt repayment to sustain the revolving mechanism and ensure continuity.
“To our farmers let this loan be the seed that grows into a flourishing harvest of success. Use it judiciously and ensure timely repayment as agreed in your plans to prevent your communities from losing future access” he added.
The commissioner reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to build a resilient agricultural sector capable of withstanding climate shocks while improving rural livelihoods.
