Nasarawa gov. receives $250,000 World Bank loan to boost farmer resilience

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has initiated the disbursement of a $250,000 revolving loan facilitated by the World Bank under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) programme.

This initiative targets 620 farmers from 10 communities across the state.
During the launch event in Doma Local Government Area, Governor Sule reaffirmed the commitment of both federal and state governments to support farmers in combating the adverse effects of climate change and enhancing food production.
The governor emphasised recent government efforts to boost agricultural productivity, including distributing 23 tractors and farm inputs to 10,000 farmers statewide.
He highlighted the ACReSAL revolving interest-free fund, particularly its Community Climate Resilience (CCR) component, as pivotal in increasing agricultural output and improving the livelihoods of beneficiaries.

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Governor Sule acknowledged the significant challenges posed by climate change to both the environment and farmers’ livelihoods, stressing the importance of such interventions. He pledged continued collaboration with partners to provide resources and support aimed at mitigating climate change impacts and addressing poverty in the state.
Governor Sule outlined the project’s objectives, which include promoting food security, enhancing community income, creating employment opportunities—especially for vulnerable groups such as persons with special needs, women, and youth—and fostering peace through sustainable agricultural practices.
“To this end, Nasarawa State is partnering with the Federal Government and World Bank through the ACReSAL project to help vulnerable communities adapt to the impact of climate change. We expect this support to lead to food security, improve the income of the communities, and create employment opportunities, especially among vulnerable groups including persons with special needs, women, and youth.

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“The project will also enhance farmers’ and communities’ capacity for climate-smart agriculture through technology and innovation, increase community farmers’ understanding of sustainable agricultural practices, and help address local conflicts and foster peace,” Sule said.
Governor Sule urged the beneficiaries to use the funds judiciously for their intended purposes, emphasizing the importance of community-driven climate-resilient initiatives supported by the revolving fund.
Task Team Leader of ACReSAL, Dr. Joy Iganya-Agene, revealed that the 620 beneficiaries include 367 males and 253 females from 10 communities across two local government areas.
The Andoma of Doma, Alhaji Aliyu Ogah, responded on behalf of the beneficiaries, expressing gratitude to the government and the World Bank for their support and optimism that this initiative would enhance the productivity of farmers in the benefiting communities.