ACReSAL Yobe State: Governor Buni Launches Gully Control Project, Distributes Climate-Smart Agricultural Input
A Giant Leap towards Environmental Conservation and Agricultural Development
In a strategic step to protect the environment and boost agricultural productivity, Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has launched a major erosion control project and distributed climate-smart farm inputs to local farmers.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Governor Buni emphasized the importance of the project, stating that it marks a crucial milestone in the state’s efforts to curb the devastating effects of floods and erosion in Buni Yadi/Damaturu.
“This project will curb the menace of floods and erosion, halting further destruction of the environment and its consequences on agriculture in the community,” he said.
The governor assured the community that the project will not only mitigate the impact of floods but also optimize water harvesting to boost irrigation agriculture, ensuring food security and economic prosperity.
He urged the community to take ownership of the project, cooperate with the contractors, and protect the infrastructure to ensure maximum benefits.
He presented cheques for compensation to those whose lands were affected by the project.
In addition to the erosion control project, Governor Buni distributed farm inputs to farmers who lost their farms to floods, enabling them to engage in irrigation farming.
This initiative demonstrates the administration’s commitment to making agricultural practice attractive, productive, and profitable for local farmers.
The governor expressed his appreciation for the resilience of the communities affected by floods and erosion, praising their determination to continue agricultural practices despite the challenges.
Dr. Iganya Joy Agene, Task Team Leader of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, noted that the World Bank and Federal Government team were present to support the governor in carrying out three key developmental activities.
These activities include the distribution of climate-smart inputs, presentation of cheques to affected community members, and the handing over of the gully site at Buni Yadi to contractor.
Dr. Agene mandated the contractor to ensure that the work is done according to World Bank approval, emphasizing the importance of community involvement, job creation, and sustainability.
She urged community members to take ownership of the investment and ensure its long-term benefits.
Furthermore, the Governor inaugurated a Water Quality Laboratory at the Ministry of Water Resources to ensure the safety of drinking water and prevent water-borne diseases.
The laboratory is equipped with modern facilities to test water quality and ensure it meets international standards.
This initiative is part of the state government’s efforts to provide safe and clean drinking water to its citizens.
The ACReSAL project is a significant intervention aimed at enhancing the resilience of agricultural systems in semi-arid landscapes.
The project seeks to increase sustainable environmental practices, promote smart agricultural initiatives, improve access to water, build community climate resilience and most importantly foster community prosperity.
The successful implementation of the project will have a positive impact on the lives of farmers, herders, and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector, contributing to the state’s overall development and growth.
ACReSAL, greening the environment, saving lives.
