In an ambitious move to combat the adverse impacts of climate change and rectify poor land use practices in Northern Nigeria, the Agro Climatic Resilience in Semi Arid Landscape (ACReSAL) initiative has set its sights on engaging communities in Kaduna state.
The primary objective is the afforestation of degraded lands, aiming to foster sustainable landscape management practices in targeted watersheds and fortify Nigeria’s long-term framework for integrated climate resilience landscape management by 2028.
Representatives of ACReSAL, including the Honorable Commissioner of Environment for Kaduna State, Hon. Abubakar Buba, who was represented by the Director of Environment Mu’azu Yusuf, and the State Project Coordinator, Mallam Jibril Dahiru Rufa’i, spearheaded a community sensitization campaign.
This outreach event took place in Unguwan Idi and Marwa communities of Soba Local Government Area, as well as Dama Kasuwa & Kauru Lebere communities of Kauru Local Government Area.
During the sensitization meeting, Jibril Dahiru Rufa’i, the State Project Coordinator, elucidated on the various components of the ACReSAL Project.
These components include Dryland Management, Community Climate Resilience, Institutional and Policy Strengthening, and a Contingency Emergency Response element.
Notably, the ACReSAL initiative aligns with the SUSTAIN AGENDA of the current administration under the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, emphasizing support for rural communities and livelihood development.
Moving forward, the ACReSAL team extended their outreach to Kurmin B & Zankwa community members of Zangon Kataf Local Government Area and Gidan waya & Fori community members of Jama’a Local Government Area.
Mallam Jibril Dahiru Rufa’i emphasized that the ACReSAL Project operates on a community-based approach, seeking to mitigate the effects of climate change through strategic investments in Climate Smart Agriculture, Afforestation, and Farmers Led Irrigation Development (FLID).
The initiative further aims to empower communities by providing agricultural inputs and soft loans through a Community Revolving Funds (CRF).
Residents were urged to actively participate in and embrace the ACReSAL project for their collective benefits.
As ACReSAL gains momentum, it marks a significant step toward building climate resilience and sustainable practices within these Northern Nigerian communities.
