The World Bank-funded Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) in Niger State has flagged off the distribution of tractors, reclamation of land, drilling of boreholes, an empowerment programme for youth and women, among other projects in the State.
The programme is part of the objectives of the ACReSAL, aimed at addressing the pressing challenges of climate change, environmental degradation and food insecurity in various communities by reclaiming 100 hectares of land.
The State Coordinator of ACReSAL, Raji Adam, who gave an overview of the Project, disclosed that the tractors procured is a collaborative effort with the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations where one tractor will be given to each of the 25 Local Government Areas to assist in reclaiming 100 hectares of land bedevilled by the negative effects of climate change in the state.
He explained that only 10 Local Government Areas are benefitting from the first phase of distribution with the second phase to begin soon.
Adam added that Abdulkadir Kure University, Minna, Kpanduko in Bosso, Baidah in Paikoro, Kaliko in Wushishi, Labozhi, Mokwa, Agaie, and Bida are to benefit under the first phase.
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The State Coordinator disclosed that a portal will be opened for interested youth to register and get starter packs, and eventually, ACReSAL will serve as off-takers of low-hanging fruits from them while the women will be selected from various Women groups across the State.
Governor Umar Bago, who was represented by his Deputy, Yakubu Garba, acknowledged that the project will support the State Government to develop multi-sectoral approaches for desertification control and landscape management to help improve community resilience and enhance the livelihoods of the rural populace.
The project which seeks to engage Communities in sustainable land management practices, will further help in preventing land degradation, restoring degraded ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity across semi-arid landscapes in the State.
For the empowerment programmes, 100 youth will be trained in the establishment of plant nurseries, while 100 women will be in seedling production.
(Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie)
