Six Hundred and Twenty local farmers from 10 communities in Nasarawa State have received a $250, 000 Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) loan, a World Bank facilitated support fund to boost agricultural activities in the state.
The farmers who were drawn from Doma and Toto local government areas were made up of 367 males, and 253 females from the said 10 communities.
The ACReSAl loan was designed to cushion the effect of climate change on the farmers in the state.
Governor Abdullahi Sule, who flagged off the disbursement of the loan in Doma, said that the disbursement was in line with the vision of the state and Federal governments to support farmers to boost production of farm produce.
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Sule added the state government had recently distributed 23 tractors and farm inputs to 10,000 farmers in the state to support farming.
Sule further that, the ACReSAL loan is a revolving and interest-free loan to farmers, aimed at boosting agricultural output and improving the livelihood of the beneficiaries.
The governor also said, 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, and World Bank through the ACReSAL project to help vulnerable communities to adapt to the impact of climate change.
“We expect this support to lead to food security, improve the 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.
Governor Sule expressed appreciation for the selection of Nasarawa State, among the right piloting states for the scheme.
He assured that the 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.
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Joy Iganya-Agene- Task Team Leader ACReSAL said that 620 farmers comprising 367 males and 253 females from the 10 communities of the two local governments were given the free interest agricultural loan.
Iganya-Agene who is also a Senior Environmental Specialist at, the World Bank Nigeria Office, listed the communities in Doma to include 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 improve the productivity of farmers in the benefiting communities.
