Gov Sule disburses $250 000 world Bank loan to 620 farmers in Nasarawa ****Warn against diversion of facilities

By David Okpashi

LAFIA —- Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa state on Sunday distributed World Bank loan of $250,.000 to 620 farmers made up of 367 males, 253 females drawn from 10 communities in two Local government Areas of Nasarawa state.

Governor Sule the loan disbursement facilitated by the world Bank was an Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) designed to cushion climate change with an effect on the farmers in the state.

Speaking at the disbursement of the loan in Doma Local Government Area, the governor explained that the disbursement was in line with the vision of the state and Federal Government to support farmers to boost food production.

According to governor Sule, the state government had recently distributed 23 tractors and farm inputs to 10, 000 farmers in the state to support farming, stating further that the ACReSAL loan is a revolving and interest free loan give to farmers aimed at boosting agricultural output and improving the livelihood of the beneficiaries.

“To this end, We are partnering with the Federal Government, World Bank through ACReSAL project to assist vulnerable communities to adopt to the impact of climate change.

“We expect this support to lead to food security, improve income of the communities and generate employment
enhance farmers and communities capacity for climate smart agriculture through technology and innovation and enhance understanding of sustainable agricultural practices to help address conflicts,” Sule added.

He disclosed that the 10 benefiting communities of Doma and Toto Local Government Areas of the state were selected as pilot local governments in the state, adding that climate change has brought so many challenges to the environment as well as the livelihood of farmers.

Sule while assuring that his administration would continue to collaborate with partners to provide resources and support that would cushion the effect of climate change and tackle poverty in the state, expressed appreciation to the partners for the selection of Nasarawa State among the right piloting states for the scheme.

He said that the state government would support farmers to implement community climate resilient initiatives beyond the lifespan of the ACReSAL project and urged the beneficiaries to utilise the funds for the purpose it was meant for.

On her part, Team Leader of ACReSAL, Dr Joy Iganya-Agene- explained that 620 farmers comprising 367 male and 253 female from the 10 communities of the two LGAs were given the free interest agricultural loan.

Iganya-Agene who is a Senior Environmental Specialist World Bank Nigeria Office, listed the communities in Doma to includes Ohiha, Madative, Odurigya, Yalwa and Alagye, while those from Toto are; Zolo, Umasha, Dereegba, Ayiwawa, and Sere.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Andoma of Doma, Aliyu Ogah, expressed gratitude to the state government and the partnering organisations for the interest free loan give to farmers in his domain.

The royal father assured that the support which would help the farmers to improve productivity of the farmers, assured that the benefiting communities would use the loan for the purpose it was meant for and for the benefit of the state.