ACReSAL Project: Mahmoud disburses $250,000 to 10 FCT communities

The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has disbursed $25,000.00 each to ten communities that qualified for the pilot stage of the Community Revolving Fund (CRF) through their respective Community Revolving Fund Management Committees.
The benefiting pilot communities are: Dafa, Gbako, Sheda, Pukafa, Ike, Tekpese, Wako, Ashara, Gbawuji, and Rugan Bature.
Mahmoud also flagged off the distribution of water pumping machines to Community Interest Groups (CIGs), motorcycles to the FCT Forest Guards, water tanker and a multipurpose truck to support reforestation efforts of the FCT Administration.
The minister who made these presentations to the benefiting communities in Abuja also acknowledged that the Community Revolving Fund (CRF) was a pivotal aspect of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project.
According to her, component B of the project focuses on bolstering agro-climatic resilience at both the community and household levels by promoting locally and adapted sustainable land and water management (SLWM) strategies and through climate smart approaches to agriculture and natural resource management.
She, stressed that although the fund was provided at zero interest rates, she warned that timely repayment is essential for its sustainability and to allow others to benefit.
He said: “I urge you to utilize these funds wisely and responsibly, leveraging this opportunity to enhance your socio-economic well-being, improve your livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to the development of your communities.”
Mahmoud said timing of the initiative as apt, and significant as it aligns with the Federal Government’s strategic efforts to combat the escalating food crisis in Nigeria.
“It further reflects the FCT Administration’s dedication to uplifting the lives of the most vulnerable groups, thereby fostering a more equitable and resilient FCT”, she affirmed .
She expressed the administration’s gratitude to the World Bank for their invaluable support and partnership through the ACReSAL project, while appreciating the contributions of the National Project Coordinator from the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU).
She pledged that the FCT Administration remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the lives of residents and creating a vibrant, thriving city in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.
Speaking earlier, Mandate Secretary Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Hon. Lawan Kolo Geidam, explained that the Community Revolving Fund is a pivotal element under the ACReSAL project, aimed at enhancing agricultural resilience and promoting sustainable practices among targeted groups in identified watersheds.
He further noted that the fund was designed to empower local communities by providing them with the financial resources necessary to implement innovative and adaptive strategies, which are crucial for improving agricultural productivity, ensuring food security and ultimately enhancing their livelihoods and community growth.
Geidam assured that the secretariat will remain committed to ensuring that the funds are utilized effectively and prudently for their intended purposes.
He revealed that the implementation of the ACReSAL project in the FCT is yielding the desired result leading to significant advancements in the reforestation of degraded forest reserves in Buja and Kujekwa.
Other areas of achievement according to him, include the planting of 160 kilometres shelter belt along Zuba to Giri junction to Abaji, as well as the fencing and protection of FCT forest plantations.
Also, items distributed include 60 solar-powered water pumping machines, 30 motorcycles and essential working materials for the FCT Forest Guards, and the newly acquired water tanker and multipurpose truck for climate smart irrigation farming.