From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
Kano state Deputy Governor, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, on Tuesday inaugurated a 20 – man Steering Committee for the Kano State Agro Pastoral Development Project, (KSADP).
The AUTHORITY reports that the Project is a $95 million project funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and the Life and Livelihoods Fund (LLF).
It focuses on improving crop production and enhancing livestock productivity in the state, even as its overall objective is to contribute to reducing poverty and strengthening food and food security.
Inaugurating the Committee, Gawuna explained that, “the project emphasizes enhancement of agricultural production, productivity and competitiveness of both crop and livestock, with expected reduction in the number of people living below the poverty line in the state.
“In quantitative terms, it aims to improve the living conditions of over 1, 260, 000 million people across the 44 local government areas of Kano state, and that is quite a large number of people.”
Gawuna, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Kano State Ministry of Agriculture, Malam Adamu Abdu Faragai, hinted that the project also aimed to address incessant conflicts between farmers and pastoralists.
“The project will initiate an unprecedented development momentum in Kano. As it unfolds, it will have tremendous positive impact on our environment and will contribute immensely towards improving the management of our natural resources,”he affirmed.
Gawuna further disclosed that, “it is a significant component of the project management that will serve as an advisory body, comprising stakeholders. It will review project annual work plans and budget, implementation progress reports and provide guidance on different issues that could affect the project.
“The committee will meet twice a year in the first three years of the project and once a year in the subsequent two years. However, extraordinary meetings of the committee can be held whenever the need arises.”
He expressed optimism that the Steering Committee will work closely with the Project Executing Agency, the Project Management Unit and other stakeholders to guarantee the project’s sustainability.
Members of the PSC which is to be chaired by Gawuna in his capacity as Commissioner for Agriculture, include the Chairman, State House of Assembly Committee on Agriculture, the Director-General, Rural Access and Mobility Project, as well as representatives from the Ministries of Agriculture, Water Resources, Justice, Finance, Environment, Budget and Economic Planning, KNARDA, and the Project Management Unit.
Others are one representative each from Crop Farmers Associations, Milk Processors Association, L&Z Farms Nig. Ltd, Cattle Herders Association, Butchers Association and the Kano State Grazing Reserves Management Committee.
Responding on behalf of the members, the state Project Coordinator, KSADP, who is also the Secretary of the Steering Committee, Malam Ibrahim Garba Muhammad, pledged that they would work as a team to make the set goals achievable.
