ACReSAL raises financial hope for irrigation farmers
The Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL) project, backed by the World Bank, has finalized plans to construct a water conservator at the Boboji/River Lamurde waterway in Jalingo. This initiative is aimed at strengthening irrigation farming, enhancing food production, and improving the financial well-being of local farmers.
During a project inspection visit in Jalingo, ACReSAL’s team lead, Joy Iganya Agene, and National Project Coordinator, Umar Abdulhamid, reaffirmed their commitment to mitigating climate-related challenges in farming communities. They emphasized that the initiative is designed to equip farmers with essential resources to combat climate vulnerabilities, restore degraded farmlands, and empower local communities economically.
Further boosting the initiative’s impact, ACReSAL has commenced the disbursement of $25,000 to 15 communities across Wukari, Takum, Jalingo, and Zing local government areas in Taraba State. Beneficiaries were also trained on business management skills to maximize profitability and ensure effective utilization of financial support.
In addition to providing financial aid, ACReSAL will distribute farm inputs and seedlings to irrigation farmers within the project’s catchment areas. The overarching goal is to enhance farm productivity, improve farmers’ financial status, and promote sustainable agriculture to combat climate-induced food insecurity.
State officials, including Taraba’s Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Mrs. Aishat Barde, and the Commissioner for Water Management and Aquatic Affairs, Mr. Daniel Ishaya, lauded the World Bank’s intervention. They urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the support provided, ensuring long-term sustainability and broad community impact.
Local farmers also expressed their appreciation for the initiative while calling for additional support in constructing access roads to facilitate the smooth transportation of farm produce.
Source- Tribune
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
ACReSAL’s initiative presents a strategic intervention in strengthening Nigeria’s irrigation agriculture, particularly in semi-arid regions like Taraba State, where climate variability threatens food production. The establishment of a water conservator aligns with global best practices in climate-smart agriculture by securing water availability, which is a critical resource for year-round farming.
However, for agribusiness stakeholders to leverage this development effectively, a few key considerations must be addressed:
- Sustainability of the Water Conservator
While the project aims to boost irrigation, the long-term success of the conservator depends on proper maintenance, community ownership, and efficient water resource management. Stakeholders should advocate for a well-structured governance framework to oversee operations. - Market Access and Value Chain Development
Increased farm productivity must be matched with accessible markets to prevent post-harvest losses. Investors, policymakers, and agribusiness leaders should explore avenues for linking beneficiaries with structured markets, agro-processors, and export opportunities. - Infrastructure for Efficient Logistics
The farmers’ request for improved access roads underscores the need for complementary infrastructure investments. Poor road networks often lead to inefficiencies in transporting farm produce, reducing profit margins for farmers. Engaging the government and private sector to address this will maximize the project’s benefits. - Financial Management and Capacity Building
While disbursing funds is a step in the right direction, financial literacy and enterprise development training must be intensified to ensure beneficiaries can effectively manage resources and reinvest profits into expanding their agribusinesses. - Climate-Resilient Practices
Beyond providing irrigation support, there should be a focus on promoting drought-resistant crop varieties, agroforestry, and sustainable soil management techniques to enhance resilience against extreme weather conditions.
The ACReSAL project presents a promising opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s agri-food sector by promoting climate resilience, enhancing irrigation farming, and empowering rural communities. However, a holistic approach that includes market development, infrastructure improvement, and ongoing support for farmers will be essential to unlocking the full potential of this intervention. Agri-food stakeholders, policymakers, and private investors must collaborate to ensure that such projects drive sustainable economic growth while securing Nigeria’s food future.
