ACReSAL: Gov Agbu Flags Off Disbursement of CRF, Farm Implements to Communities in Taraba.
By Christiana Babayo.
Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has launched the disbursement of Community Revolving Funds (CRF) and climate smart farm inputs to Communities in the state under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, supported by the Worldbank.
The symbolic flag off was made at the Jolly Nyame Stadium with the Worldbank team led by the Task Team Lead, Joy Iganya Agene.
The beneficiaries of the CRF and farm implements were drawn from 15 communities across four Local Governments; Takum, Wukari, Zing and Jalingo, to enable them undertake projects that promote environmental sustainability, improve livelihoods, and enhance resilience to climate change.
In his speech, the Governor stated that the agricultural inputs, technical support, and access to finance, provided through the Community Revolving Fund (CRF), and the provision of tractors under the Project will significantly improve farmers’ productivity, increase crop yields, and enhance resilience to climate change.
“As we are all aware, the impacts of climate change have posed serious challenges to food production, water availability, and environmental stability. Through ACReSAL, we are not only mitigating these impacts but also building a future where our farmers and communities can thrive despite environmental uncertainties.
“It is my firm belief that this generous support from the World Bank will be fully utilized in a sustainable manner, ensuring that future generations also benefit from it. Sustainability must remain our guiding principle as we implement these interventions.” He said.
In her remarks earlier the Commissioner of Environment and Climate Change, Haj Aishat Barde advised the beneficiaries to use the smart inputs and the funds wisely.
“As we mark this occasion, I would like to offer some words of advice to the beneficiaries of the Community Revolving Fund, Climate-Smart Agricultural Implements, and the Tractors.
“These resources are meant to enhance productivity, improve livelihoods, and foster sustainable development. I urge you to use them judiciously, maintain them properly, and ensure that they serve not just individual interests but the collective progress of our communities” She advised.
In their earlier presentations at the event, the TTL, Joy Iganya Agene and the National Project Cordinator, Abdulhamid Umar described Taraba state as God’s gift to earth due to it’s abundant landscape and natural resources.
They expressed confidence in the commitment of Taraba State to deliver the project fully, stating that the ACReSAL project is a community oriented one and must be Implemented through the communities.
The ACReSAL project, supported by the World Bank and implemented through the Ministries of Environment and Climate Change, Agriculture and Water Resources, focuses on addressing land degradation and climate change in northern Nigeria, with four key components, including sustainable landscape management, climate-resilient agriculture, and community investments.
