101 Yobe communities receive $25k each in World Bank-supported ACRESAL loan initiative
No fewer than 101 communities in Yobe State have received $25,000 each (approximately ₦38.3 million) as a non-interest loan under the World Bank-supported Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACRESAL) Project.
The state Coordinator of ACRESAL, Alhaji Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this during a Memorandum of Acceptance signing event with the beneficiary communities on Monday, June 30, in Damaturu.
Mohammed explained that this phase of the project would benefit 482 farmers and community groups, amounting to 7,340 direct beneficiaries—comprising 4,857 males and 2,483 females. Each of the 101 communities is set to receive $25,000, totaling $2,525,000 (about ₦3.8 billion).
He said the loan is aimed at strengthening agricultural resilience and improving livelihoods across climate-vulnerable communities in all 17 Local Government Areas of Yobe State.
“This initiative marks a significant phase in empowering our farming communities,” Mohammed said, adding that it builds on a successful pilot disbursement to 10 communities, which achieved a 65 percent recovery rate.
The ACRESAL loan, structured as a non-interest Community Revolving Fund (CRF), is expected to boost local economies, increase farmers’ income, and instill financial discipline. It aligns with the broader goals of reversing environmental degradation and promoting climate-smart agriculture in northern Nigeria, in line with World Bank and global best practices.
“Today’s event is more than a ceremonial signing. It signals a new phase of sustainability and resilience-building for our farming communities,” Mohammed noted.
He also praised Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni for his strong leadership and commitment to ACRESAL, and thanked the World Bank, Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU), the Ministry of Environment, the Yobe State House of Assembly, and local community leaders for their continuous support.
In his remarks, Alhaji Sidi Karasuwa, Yobe State Commissioner for Environment and Chairman of the State Steering Committee, described the CRF loan scheme as a major step toward agricultural transformation and rural development.
He recalled that the symbolic presentation of CRF cheques was launched by Governor Buni in January, following the project’s initial phase in two micro-watersheds.
“This fund is more than financial support; it is a tool for transformation,” Karasuwa said. “It enables our farmers to expand operations, adopt modern techniques, and increase productivity.”
He urged beneficiaries to adhere strictly to their approved business plans and emphasized the importance of prompt repayment to sustain the revolving loan mechanism.
“To our farmers, let this loan be the seed that grows into a flourishing harvest of success. Use it judiciously and ensure timely repayment as agreed in your plans to prevent your communities from losing future access,” Karasuwa advised.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to developing a resilient agricultural sector that can withstand climate challenges while improving the livelihoods of rural dwellers.
