ACReSAL Unveils Community Revolving Fund to Enhance Climate Resilience and Economic Development

Adamawa State Governor, Rt. Hon Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has launched the Community Revolving Fund (CRF) disbursement program, aimed at empowering 21 communities across the state.

“Today, we proudly launch the Community Revolving Fund disbursement program, allocating $525,000 to support 21 communities across Adamawa State. This initiative aims to empower local communities, enhance climate resilience and promote sustainable agricultural practices.” Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, represented by the Deputy Governor Prof. Kaletapwa George Farauta, highlighted the significance of the occasion.

“The CRF is an innovative financial mechanism designed to empower our communities, building their resilience against economic hardships and the adverse effects of climate change.”

The governor noted that the concept of CRF is both innovative and timely, and with proper supervision, it has the potential to establish a continuous cycle of business activities that will ultimately create an economic safety net for the communities.

Governor Fintiri assured that his administration will ensure the success of the program through robust monitoring, evaluation, and assessment. “As a government, we will ensure that this effort, supported by the World Bank through the ACReSAI project, achieves its desired results,” he said.

In his remarks, the Honorable Minister of State, Agriculture and Food Security Sen. Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, highlighted the significance of the Community Revolving Fund, stating, “Today, as we disburse these funds, we are not just providing financial assistance, we are investing in the hopes and dreams of our communities. We are supporting jobs, providing food security, fostering innovation, and building resilience against the effects of climate change.

“He commended Adamawa state government for the Regenerative Agriculture Initiative” Regenerative agriculture transcends mere practice; it embodies a philosophy. It involves collaborating with nature to cultivate a more resilient and flourishing ecosystem.” he said.

He emphasized the importance of regenerative agriculture in addressing the pressing challenges of maintaining healthy soils, conserving water, and fostering sustainable food production.

In order to achieve food security, the minister said that ACReSAL is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to implement the Nigerian Farmers Soil Health Scheme (NFSHS), which has recently been introduced into Nigeria’s agricultural framework.

The initiative, he noted aims to tackle the issue of indiscriminate fertilizer application, promote tailored fertilizer recommendations based on specific crops and locations, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and encourage regenerative agricultural practices.

Dr. Ibrahim Chinda, Adamawa State ACReSAL Project Coordinator, described the Community Revolving Fund as a bold World Bank initiative aimed at empowering communities, fostering economic resilience, and ensuring sustainable natural resource management. He explained that the program lays the foundation for long-term community development and self-sufficiency.

He highlighted the fund’s unique strategic design, which equips communities with resources to establish and sustain agro-allied micro-enterprises. He assured them, “As a team, we will continue to ensure effective monitoring, evaluation, and control to achieve the program’s objectives. We urge beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly, so future generations can also benefit.”

In his welcome address, Professor Finchiwa David Jatau, Commissioner for Agriculture, expressed gratitude to both the federal and state governments for the initiative. He expressed hope that the launch of the Community Revolving Fund for the 21 communities would yield positive results and contribute to the program’s success.

Finchiwa said the launch of this fund marks a crucial step in Adamawa State’s commitment to agricultural resilience, climate adaptation, and community economic empowerment.

The official launch of CRF disbursement was attended by Dr. Joy Iganya Agene, Task Team Leader ACReSAL, Dr. Manievel Sene, Co-Task Team Leader, ACReSAL, the National Project Coordinator for the ACReSAL Project, Abudulhamid Umar, Commissioners, Traditional Rulers, ACReSAL state Project Coordinators, Farmers, Communities members among other dignitaries in Adamawa State government house.

After the launch of the Community Revolving Fund (CRF), the minister led the ACReSAL mission to a 256-hectare land in Girie, designated for regenerative agriculture. During the visit, the minister conducted a demonstration and constructed a Halfmoon structure, showcasing the potential of regenerative agriculture practices to farmers and communities.