Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State on Sunday initiated the disbursement of a $250,000 World Bank-facilitated Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) loan to farmers from 10 communities in the state.
Speaking at the event in Doma Local Government Area (LGA), Governor Sule highlighted that the disbursement aligns with both state and Federal Government's vision to support farmers and boost agricultural production.
He noted that the state government had recently distributed 23 tractors and farm inputs to 10,000 farmers to enhance farming activities.
Governor Sule explained that the ACReSAL loan is a revolving, interest-free fund designed to boost agricultural output and improve the livelihoods of the beneficiaries. The 10 benefiting communities are from Doma and Toto Local Government Areas.
The governor acknowledged the challenges posed by climate change to the environment and farmers' livelihoods. He assured that his administration would continue collaborating with partners to provide resources and support to mitigate these effects and tackle poverty in the state.
"We are partnering with the Federal Government and the World Bank through the ACReSAL project to help vulnerable communities adapt to climate change impacts," said Sule.
"This support aims to achieve food security, improve community incomes, generate employment, and enhance farmers' capacity for climate-smart agriculture through technology and innovation."
Dr. Joy Iganya-Agene, Task Team Leader of ACReSAL, noted that 620 farmers, including 367 men and 253 women from the 10 communities, received the interest-free agricultural loan. She mentioned that five communities from each of the two LGAs benefited from the loan.
Aliyu Ogah, Andoma of Doma, expressed gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries, praising the state government and the organization for their support, which he believes will significantly improve farmers' productivity in the benefiting communities.
