A Kano State-World Bank partnership on Thursday gave out $25,000 to 10 communities under a community revolving fund scheme.
The aim is to strengthen climate resilience and agricultural productivity.
Speaking at the cheque presentation ceremony, Kano ACReSAL Project Coordinator and Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahir Muhammad Hashim, said it’s the initiative’s goal to mitigate climate change impacts and enhance food security through sustainable agricultural practices.
$250,000 was for investments in climate-tolerant agriculture and value chain development, including production, processing, and packaging.
“This fund is more than just financial aid; it is a transformative resource aimed at empowering farmers, improving livelihoods, and building community resilience,” Dr. Hashim stated.
Dr. Muhammad Hashim explained that the selection of the 10 beneficiary communities, Chiranchi, Diso, Kofar Naisa, Galadanchi, Gwale, Kwankwaso, Garo, Sarigirin, Gobirawa, and Dala was based on strict criteria to ensure accountability and commitment to sustainable agriculture.
He stressed that “To maintain transparency and sustainability, the project has established governance structures, including Community Revolving Fund Management Committees (CRFMCs), Community Business Agents (CBAs), and Boards of Trustees (BoTs).”
According to the Commissioner, “Beyond financial support, ACReSAL has achieved significant progress in tackling environmental challenges.”
He revealed that “Under the project, three million trees have been planted, 106 kilometres of shelterbelt rehabilitated, and 24,865 hectares of degraded land restored. Over 1,200 farmers have benefitted from woodlot plantations and orchards, while two nurseries, producing one million seedlings annually, have been rehabilitated.”
“In addressing water scarcity, the project has constructed 50 solar-powered boreholes in various communities and renovated the Soil and Water Laboratory at Northwest University Kano Additionally, livelihood support has been provided for communities in the Falgore Game Reserve.”
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, in a speech at the ceremony, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to environmental sustainability, economic empowerment, and securing additional funding to expand the CRF initiative.
The project, supported by the World Bank, is expected to enhance Kano’s ability to attract international funding for climate resilience initiatives. Beneficiary communities are urged to use the funds responsibly, with traditional and community leaders playing a key role in ensuring transparency and proper utilization.
Meanwhile, ACReSAL’s National Project Coordinator, Alhaji Abdulhamid Muhammad, praised Governor Yusuf for appointing Dr. Hashim as Commissioner for Environment, describing the appointment as well deserved.
As the fund is disbursed, stakeholders are encouraged to uphold integrity in managing resources to ensure long-term benefits for Kano State’s agricultural and environmental sectors.