Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has presented cheques worth $25,000 to 10 communities each, totaling over N375 million, as part of the Community Revolving Fund initiative for farmer groups in the state.
The fund, provided through the World Bank-assisted Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, aims to support investments in climate-smart, rain-fed agriculture.
The benefiting communities include Anchau, Kuzuntu, Kubau, Zuntu, Jenau, Likoro, Jaja, Hunkuyi, Kudan, and Danmahawayi.
Speaking at the disbursement event, Governor Sani emphasized that the initiative aligns with his administration’s “commitment to Rural Transformation, which is designed to support registered farmer groups under the umbrella of Community Interest Groups (CIGs), with loans.”
He also announced that Kudan and Kubau local governments will be the first beneficiaries of his administration’s loan disbursement in the first phase of the initiative, covering 82 CIGs. The second phase, set to commence in the second quarter of the year, will extend to four local governments in the Central and Southern Senatorial Zones and two Area Councils in the Northern Senatorial Zone. The final phase will cater to the remaining 11 local government areas.
Governor Sani reiterated Kaduna State’s leadership in tackling climate change and fostering sustainable livelihoods.
“Kaduna State is proud to be at the forefront of initiatives aimed at combating climate change and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for our people,” he stated.
“Over the years, we have implemented a range of strategic policies and programs designed to enhance ecological conservation, mitigate the impact of climate change, and promote economic resilience among our citizens.”
The governor highlighted key environmental efforts, including the launch of a 10-year Climate Change Policy, the training of 500 women, youth, and school-feeding vendors in biomass briquette production as an alternative to wood fuel, and the identification of 22,435 hectares of degraded land for restoration. Additionally, he noted the procurement of an Amphibious Excavator, also known as a Swamp Buggy, for erosion control, waterway maintenance, and river cleaning.
Dr. Joy Iganya Agene, the Task Team Lead of the ACReSAL Project, commended Kaduna State’s commitment to environmental sustainability, describing it as one of the best-performing subnational entities in the country.
Meanwhile, Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, cautioned beneficiaries that the Community Revolving Fund is a loan, not a grant.
“The loan is intended for communities, facilitating circulation among farmers and sustained through groups that ensure the loan remains active within your community via timely repayment, thereby enabling other farmers to reap the benefits,” he explained.
Malam Balarabe further emphasized that the ACReSAL project is a key part of the Federal Government’s goal to rehabilitate one million hectares of degraded land, contributing to a broader target of restoring four million hectares by 2030.
“The initiative will additionally contribute to diminishing the susceptibility of countless individuals living in extreme poverty in northern Nigeria, thereby enhancing their capacity to engage in the stewardship of their surroundings,” he added.
