Mahmoud Disburses $25,000 Each to 10 Communities Under ACReSAL Project

The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has distributed $25,000.00 each to ten communities under the pilot stage of the Community Revolving Fund (CRF) initiative, as part of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project.

At a ceremony held in Abuja, Dr. Mahmoud also flagged off the distribution of water pumping machines to Community Interest Groups (CIGs), motorcycles for FCT Forest Guards, and unveiled a water tanker and multipurpose truck to support reforestation efforts.
Special Adviser on Media to the minister, Austine Elemue in a statement quoted the minister to have emphasized that the Community Revolving Fund, a zero-interest financial facility, is integral to the ACReSAL project’s mission of promoting sustainable land and water management strategies and climate-smart agricultural practices.

“I urge you to use these funds responsibly to improve your socio-economic well-being, enhance livelihoods, and contribute meaningfully to community development,” she stated.

She highlighted the importance of the initiative in combating Nigeria’s food crisis while reaffirming the FCT Administration’s dedication to empowering vulnerable groups and fostering a more equitable society.
Mandate Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Lawan Kolo Geidam, described the CRF as a critical tool for enhancing agricultural resilience and ensuring food security in targeted watersheds.

Geidam announced the ten benefiting communities as Dafa, Gbako, Sheda, Pukafa, Ike, Tekpese, Wako, Ashara, Gbawuji, and Rugan Bature.

He noted that the ACReSAL project has already achieved significant milestones, including the Planting a 160-kilometre shelter belt from Zuba to Giri Junction and Abaji, Constructing 60 tubewells for dry-season farming and Providing over 41 solar-powered boreholes and 270 solar lights to communities.
She indicated that the project also facilitated the distribution of Items to Boost Agriculture and Conservation
To further support climate-smart initiatives, the minister distributed, 60 solar-powered water pumping machines, 30 motorcycles for forest guards, a water tanker and multipurpose truck for irrigation farming.
Dr. Mahmoud expressed gratitude to the World Bank and the National Project Coordinator for their support, pledging