A world Bank-funded project known as Argo-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) has completed arrangements to commence the disbursement of $250,000 loan to farmers in selected pilot communities in Jigawa State.
World Bank representative, Mr Ashutosh Raina stated this while speaking during an engagement meeting with farmers, community leaders and other stakeholders at Gamsarka and Dabi villages in Auyo and Ringim local government areas of the state.
He noted that the meeting was organised to discuss the final stage for the take-off of loan disbursement which aims at enhancing the agricultural productivity and encouraging environmentally-friendly practices.
He explained that the ACReSAL project was designed to leverage on appropriate technology to build the capacity of farmers, communities and strengthen institutions in Northern Nigeria for better results in risk reduction and responce to climate variables.
According to him, community has a great role to play in tackling climate change and environmental degradation by adopting smart and non-harmful and climate-friendly practices in all ramifications.
“The Community Revolving Funds (CRFs) loan was designed to support community/farmer groups to undertake investments specific to the climate-smart rain-fed crops intervention which is critical to deliver investment at community and household level.
“CRF is not a grant. Rather, it is an investment fund for the village that can revolve and grow over time as an innovative approach to project sustainability under ACReSAL project geared to increase the adoption of sustainable landscape management practices in targeted watersheds in northern Nigeria.
“It is also to strengthen Nigeria’s long-term framework for integrated climate-resilient landscape management,” he stated.
Mr Ashuroshi added that, each eligible farmers’ group will have a minimum of 10-25 people and “each beneficiary group will receive $25,000 and we are targeting 2,800 group with the loan in the state.”
The JIgawa State commissioner for Environment, Dr Nura Ibrahim expressed government’s gratitude for making Jigawa State one of the beneficiaries of the programme.
Dr Nura Ibrahim explained that the Malam Umar Namadi-led administration is committed to join hands with any partner in tackling climate change and environmental degradation and improve social and economic life of the people.