ACReSAL: Gov. Sani Launches Non-Interest Loan Scheme for Communities/farmers, commissions swamp buggy

—A leap to sustainable environment and food security

Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Dr. Sani, presented Community Revolving Funds (CRF) cheques to 10 selected communities, aiming to enhance livelihoods and boost food security in Kaduna on 1st March, 2025.

The CRF is an initiative of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project seeks to supports farmer groups in investing in climate-smart rain-fed interventions.

Governor Sani emphasized Kaduna State’s commitment to combating climate change and ensuring sustainable livelihoods. The state’s Rural Transformation agenda aligns with the CRF initiative, which provides loans to registered farmer groups under Community Interest Groups (CIGs).

The loan disbursement will commence in Kudan and Kubau Local Government Areas, covering 82 registered CIGs. The second phase will roll out in the central, southern, and northern senatorial zones, eventually catering to all 23 local government areas, Gov. Sani assured.

Additionally, Governor Sani commissioned an Amphibious Excavator (Swamp Buggy) to desilt river beds, clear drainages, and mitigate flooding. These efforts demonstrate the state government’s and ACReSAL commitment to environmental sustainability and rural transformation.

In his remarks, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, the Honourable Minister of the Federal Ministry of Environment and Chairman of the ACReSAL Federal Steering Committee said that the disbursement of Community Revolving Fund cheques to 10 communities is aimed at supporting farmers and other members of the communities to address environmental challenges, promote economic resilience and social equity.

He explained that the ACReSAL project is a key component of the Federal Government’s efforts to rehabilitate one million hectares of degraded land, aligning with the broader goal of restoring four million hectares by 2030, adding that the ACReSAL will help reduce poverty in northern Nigeria, enabling individuals to better care for their environment.

The Minister also emphasized that the ACReSAL CRF initiative is a non-interest loan rather than a grant, functioning as an investment fund for community and farmer groups.

Abudulhamid Umar, National Project Coordinator, ACReSAL appreciated His Excellency for aligning his administration’s policy with ACReSAL’s goals, focusing on grassroots development where ordinary people live.

Umar revealed that the Community Revolving Fund targets the poorest in rural communities, enhancing livelihoods and promoting sustainable environments. This fund supports agricultural activities, addressing climate change challenges, which is at the core of Agro Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL).

We urge efficient utilization of funds and adherence to repayment plans to maximize impact, Umar said. He noted that the Swamp Buggy will facilitate desilting and restore water flow. ACReSAL’s intervention in Nguru Wetland Yobe state is a testament to this, reviving activities like fishing.

We hope the Swamp Buggy will be utilized effectively, ensuring proper maintenance and sanitation, ultimately revitalizing River Kaduna for the benefit of our people.

The impact of these efforts is expected to be significant, with the potential to enhance livelihoods, promote sustainable environments, and boost food security for thousands of people in Kaduna State.

By providing non-interest loans and supporting climate-smart agricultural practices, the ACReSAL project is poised to make a lasting difference in the lives of rural communities, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future for the region.

ACReSAL: greening the environment, saving lives.