By Abdullahi Lukman
The World Bank, through the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, has disbursed $25,000 (about ₦38.3 million) as non-interest loans to each of 101 communities in Yobe State, Northeastern Nigeria, to support agricultural resilience and livelihoods.
ACReSAL State Coordinator, Alhaji Shehu Mohammed, announced the funding at a Memorandum of Acceptance signing ceremony in Damaturu, revealing that the current phase will benefit 482 farmer and community groups, totaling 7,340 direct beneficiaries—4,857 men and 2,483 women.
The total loan package amounts to $2.525 million (around ₦3.8 billion) and aims to boost economic activities, increase farmers’ incomes, and promote responsible financial management among climate-vulnerable communities across Yobe’s 17 Local Government Areas.
Mohammed highlighted that the scale-up follows a successful pilot phase with a 65% recovery rate from 10 communities and has received a “no objection” from the World Bank for broader implementation.
He praised Governor Mai Mala Buni’s leadership in driving ACReSAL’s progress and acknowledged the support of the Federal Project Management Unit, Ministry of Environment, Yobe State House of Assembly, and community leaders.
State Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Sidi Karasuwa, who chairs the State Steering Committee, described the loans as a transformative tool enabling farmers to expand operations, adopt modern agricultural techniques, and increase productivity.
Karasuwa urged beneficiaries to use the funds wisely, adhere to business plans, and repay promptly to sustain the revolving fund and ensure future access.
The initiative aligns with global best practices and ACReSAL’s goals to reverse environmental degradation and promote climate-smart agriculture in Northern Nigeria, with the state government reaffirming its commitment to building a resilient agricultural sector capable of withstanding climate shocks and improving rural livelihoods.