From Daniel Abel Lafia
Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State on Sunday flagged off the disbursement of $250, 000 World Bank facilitated Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) loan to farmers from 10 communities in the state.
The project is a World Bank assisted in collaboration with the federal government and Nasarawa state.
Speaking at the event in Doma Local Government Area (LGA) the governor indicated that the disbursement was in line with the vision of the state and Federal Government to support farmers to boost their productive activities on farm.
Sule added that the state government had recently distributed 23 tractors and farm inputs to 10, 000 farmers in the state to support farming.
The Governor explained that the ACReSAL loan is a revolving and interest free to farmers aimed at boosting agricultural output and improving the livelihood of the beneficiaries.
According to him, the 10 benefiting communities were from Doma and Toto Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.
The governor added that climate change has brought so many challenges to the environment as well as the livelihood of farmers.
He said that his administration would continue to collaborate with partners to provide resources and support that would cushion the effect of climate change and tackle poverty in the state.
“To this end, We are partnering with the Federal Government, World Bank through ACReSAL project help vulnerable communities to adopt to the impact of climate change.
“We expect this support to lead to food security, improve income of the communities and generate employment.
“Enhance farmers and communities capacity for climate smart agriculture through technology and innovation and enhance understanding of sustainable agricultural practices to help address conflicts,” Sule added.
Gov. Sule expressed appreciation for the selection of Nasarawa State among the right piloting states for the scheme.
He said that the state government would support farmers to implement community climate resilient initiatives beyond the lifespan of the ACReSAL project.
He therefore urged the beneficiaries to utilise the funds for the purpose it was meant for.
On her part, Dr Joy Iganya-Agene- Task Team Leader ACReSAL said that 620 farmers comprising 367 male and 253 female from the 10 communities of the two LGAs were given the free interest agricultural loan.
Iganya-Agene who is also a Senior Environmental Specialist World Bank Nigeria Office, listed the communities in Doma to includes Ohiha, Madative, Odurigya, Yalwa and Alagye, while those from Toto are; Zolo, Umasha, Dereegba, Ayiwawa, and Sere.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Aliyu Ogah, Andoma of Doma expressed gratitude to the state government and the organisation for the gesture to farmers in his domain.
The royal father expressed optimism that the support would help toward improving productivity of farmers in the benefiting communities.