Governor disburses N5bn to boost agriculture in 10 communities
The Plateau State Government, on Thursday, disbursed N5 billion to empower 140 farming communities across the three senatorial zones of the state.
The state Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development, Peter Gwom, disclosed this on Thursday during a ceremony to showcase the Agro Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape Project Day and the flag-off of the Community Revolving Fund, which took place at the Rayfield Government House in Jos.
Gwom explained that the fund disbursement, under the Community Revolving Fund, an initiative of the World Bank under ACRESAL project, aims to boost agricultural production, improve food security, and enhance the livelihoods of local communities in the state
The commissioner said, “Today, we will distribute a pilot scheme focusing on 10 communities. Each of the communities will receive $25,000 through the Community Revolving Fund Management team. The Community Revolving Fund is a pilot project aimed at enhancing agricultural resilience and promoting sustainable practices targeted at groups in identified communities.
“It is further designed to empower local communities by providing them with fund necessary to implement innovative and adaptive strategies which are crucial in improving agricultural productivity
“The expectation is that the CRF will be self-sustaining to enable more groups within the same communities to benefit. The project will continue to train and prepare more communities in other LGAs. In total, we will be distributing the fund to 140 communities spread across the three Senatorial zones of the state total of $3.5m or well over N5bn.”
The state governor, Caleb Mutfwang, thanked the World Bank for the initiative and charged the benefiting communities to make maximum use of the funds, emphasising that the initiative is designed to create a revolving financial opportunity for broader community development.
“I want to thank the World Bank for the initiatives you’ve introduced on the Plateau. Let me assure you that, by the grace of God, none of these projects will fail. We are committed to ensuring that the funds and equipment are judiciously used to uplift our people,” the governor said.
Mutfwang, who also inaugurated 20 tractors for farming communities across the state, disclosed that his administration, through the Plateau Agricultural Development Programme, has mapped out plans to secure over 200 tractors to further boost agricultural activities, ensuring food security and sovereignty across the state.
“Beyond implementing projects, our focus is to ensure that these investments lift our people out of poverty. The bottom line is to improve the standard of living of our people by reducing poverty,” he added.
The governor urged citizens of Plateau State to unite in supporting government initiatives, cautioning against divisive tendencies that hinder progress.
He also highlighted the need for every available piece of land, especially in schools, to be cultivated during the coming farming season.
The World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr Ndiame Diop, congratulated the 10 beneficiary communities and underscored the importance of addressing climate change’s adverse effects on agriculture.
He noted, “Desertification and climate change pose serious threats to agriculture, a key livelihood for Plateau residents. Through ACReSAL, we aim to help vulnerable communities adapt to climate impacts while improving their livelihoods. This initiative complements a comprehensive framework for land and water management through a 10-year watershed plan.”
Diop commended Mutfwang and his team for their dedication to the project’s success and urged the communities to use the funds responsibly for the benefit of their members.
The event also featured commendations from state officials, including the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Dewan, ACReSAL Task Team Leader, Dr. Joy Iganya Agene, Commissioner of Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development, and Chairman of Plateau ACReSAL Project State Steering Committee, Hon. Peter Kannang Gwom and Plateau State ACReSAL Coordinator, Mr. Garba Gowon Gonkol, praised Mutfwang for fostering a conducive environment for meaningful partnerships that directly benefit the people of Plateau State.
The 10 benefiting communities include Guratop, Kerang, Zamko, Ampang West, Dinting, Jimin, Kaler, Plateau Club/Bingham, Pishe, Yashi, and Wereh.
