The Adamawa Government inaugurated a $525,000 World Bank agricultural intervention project to support farmers, enhance food security and mitigate climate change.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Yola, on Wednesday Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri said that the initiative aimed to reduce vulnerability and build resilience across communities in the state.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta, the governor said that the intervention would establish a continuous cycle of business activities, creating an economic safety net for communities and the state.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting World Bank projects through the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) initiative.
Fintiri assured stakeholders of close monitoring, evaluation and control of the project’s processes to ensure its success.
He also called on the Federal Government to embark on the desilting of River Benue to enhance international water transport, irrigation and other economic activities.
Earlier, Dr Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, noted that the partnership between the federal government and Adamawa State under ACReSAL was aimed at boosting food security.
Abdullahi explained that the project covered all 774 local government areas (LGAs) in the country, with each council benefiting based on its comparative and competitive advantages.
“Farmers will receive support in cultivating high-yield crops which reduces production costs.
“Modern technology will also be available to ensure that food produced meets required nutritional standards,” Abdullahi said.
Dr Ibrahim Chinda, ACReSAL State Coordinator, also said that the initiative would promote sustainability in natural resource management.
He added that the project would focus on addressing climate change challenges as well as deforestation across communities.
Meanwhile Malam Raji Isa, a beneficiary and farmer from Saminaka Cooperative Society, commended the intervention, saying it would improve livelihoods and boost businesses.
