… Disburses $25,000 loan to 15 pilot communities

By Femi Bolaji, Jalingo

The World Bank has upgraded Taraba State from Stage One to Stage Two in its Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, which is being implemented across the 19 northern states of Nigeria.

As part of this upgrade, the World Bank disbursed a $25,000 revolving loan to each of 15 selected farming communities in Taraba to support climate resilience and sustainable agriculture.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Jalingo, where tractors and climate-smart farm inputs were also distributed, ACReSAL Task Team Leader, Joy Iganya Agene, commended Taraba’s outstanding performance, which led to the project upgrade.

However, she noted that climate change shocks still pose serious challenges to the state’s agricultural sector.

“These shocks are degrading our lands, drying water bodies, causing deforestation, and reducing soil productivity.

But the good news is that ACReSAL is designed to mitigate these challenges.”

She urged beneficiaries of the Community Revolving Funds to ensure the loans are used strictly for climate-smart agricultural activities to maximize impact.

ACReSAL National Coordinator, Abdulhamid Umar, highlighted that the initiative aligns with Taraba State’s goal of revolutionizing agriculture and empowering rural communities.

He emphasized that the disbursed funds and provided equipment will help farmers combat climate change effects, boost productivity, and enhance food security.

Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, expressed gratitude to the World Bank and ACReSAL team for their continued support.

He pledged to expand the project to more communities across the state, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to climate resilience and agricultural transformation.