By Daniel Tyokua
Ten communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have benefited from $250, 000 World Bank facilitated Agro -Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (AcReSAL) from the pilot stage of Community Revolving Fund to farmers.
Speaking at the disbursement on Tuesday, Minister of state for FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud said the initiative was in line with the Federal Government’s efforts to curb the escalating food crisis in the country.
She said the benefitting communities are to get $25,000 each bringing the total to $250, 000.00.
Mahmoud said the fund was provided at zero interest rates, warning that timely repayment was essential for its sustainability and to allow others to benefit.
According to her, the benefitting communities include Dafa, Gbako, Sheda, Pukafa, Ike, Tempest, Wako, Ashara, Gbawufi, Rugan-Bature.
Mahmoud also flagged off the distribution of water pumping machines to Community Interest Groups (CIGs), motorcycles to the FCT Forest Guards, water tanker and a multipurpose truck to support reforestation efforts of the FCT Administration.
This project according to her, is specifically under component B, which focuses on bolstering agro-climatic resilience at both the community and household levels by promoting locally and adapted sustainable land and water management (SLWM) strategies and through climate smart approaches to agriculture and natural resource management.
The minister said; “I urge you to utilize these funds wisely and responsibly, leveraging this opportunity to enhance your socio-economic well-being, improve your livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to the development of your communities.
“It further reflects the FCT Administration’s dedication to uplifting the lives of the most vulnerable groups, thereby fostering a more equitable and resilient FCT”, she affirmed .
The minister, therefore, expressed the administration’s gratitude to the World Bank for their invaluable support and partnership through the ACReSAL project, while appreciating the contributions of the National Project Coordinator from the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU).
Mahmoud pledged that the FCT Administration remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the lives of residents and creating a vibrant, thriving city in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President.
