By Olukayode Idowu
The Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) team, on a joint World Bank/Federal Government of Nigeria Implementation Support Mission, made a stop-over assessment of implementation activities in Adamawa state.
The team was warmly received by three commissioners of the state, who expressed their commitment and support to the project.
“We have only two things in Adamawa today, ACReSAL and other projects,” declared Alh. Mohammed Sadiq, Commissioner for Environment, Adamawa state. “ACReSAL has become a household name in Adamawa state, and I am very happy to be part of this laudable initiative. The journey of ACReSAL will never finish without Adamawa state reaping its maximum impact.”
He noted that hundreds of people call him daily to testify that the ACReSAL Project has transformed their lives completely. “Communities that have never seen any development in Adamawa before are now flourishing, courtesy of the ACReSAL Project. We are now enjoying different impactful and livelihood enhancement activities because of the ACReSAL Project.
Over 20,000 farmers have been trained on regenerative agriculture and landscapes restoration across 21 local government areas in the state. Some farmers have been provided with the use of one hectare of land each for a period of 10 years, free of charge, along with agricultural inputs. Additionally, many communities now have access to clean solar-powered boreholes for drinking water, and we are witnessing a significant improvement in dry season farming.”
Alh. Audu Tanko Ayuba, Commissioner for Water Resources, remarked, “I have seen lots of projects carried out by ACReSAL in Adamawa state. ACReSAL is one of the best sustainable developmental programs currently in the state, and I assure you that all the necessary support the project needs is available.” He assured the team of the state and stakeholders’ willingness to collaborate for the success of the project.
On his part, Prof. David Finchiwa Jatau, Commissioner for Agriculture, Adamawa state, emphasized the importance of land restoration in all sectors of production. “Some communities never knew what dry season farming was, but today, I am happy to report that the ACReSAL project has made dry seasoning farming possible in communities in Adamawa state.” He expressed his excitement for the ACReSAL Project, noting the state’s full support.
Abdulhamid Umar, the National Project Coordinator for the ACReSAL Project, expressed his delight with the level of support and collaboration among the key lead implementing ministries of the ACReSAL Project in Adamawa state, evident in the presence of the three commissioners. “I feel really fulfilled with the success stories emanating from Adamawa state, which means the ACReSAL Project can bring more investment to the state.”
Dr. Joy Iganya Agene, Task Team Leader for the ACReSAL Project, announced that ACReSAL will support farmers and agro-business initiatives through its Community Resolving Fund (CRF) loan scheme. “We will provide loans to 140 communities in Adamawa state to support their agro-business initiatives. She encouraged the Adamawa State ACReSAL Project Management Unit (PMU) to scale up the intervention and monitor the projects closely to ensure impacts on communities, sustainability, and effective utilization of the funds.” She thanked Governor Fintiri, the commissioners, and the entire team for their efforts to ensure the project’s success in the state.
The ACReSAL project has received widespread support from stakeholders, and its success is expected to have a lasting impact on the communities in Adamawa state.
