In a strategic move to enhance climate resilience and agricultural productivity, the Kano State Government, through the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, has disbursed $250,000 in community revolving funds, with $25,000 allocated to each of 10 beneficiary communities. The funds are earmarked for investments in climate-smart agriculture and value chain development, including production, processing, and packaging.
The cheque presentation ceremony held on Thursday was addressed by Dr. Dahir Muhammad Hashim, the Kano ACReSAL Project Coordinator and Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change. He highlighted that the initiative aims to mitigate the impacts of climate change and enhance food security through sustainable agricultural practices.
“This fund is not merely financial aid; it is a transformative resource that empowers farmers, improves livelihoods, and strengthens community resilience,” Dr. Hashim stated.
The 10 selected communities for the climate-smart agriculture —Chiranchi, Diso, Kofar Naisa, Galadanchi, Gwale, Kwankwaso, Garo, Sarigirin, Gobirawa, and Dala—were chosen based on strict criteria to ensure accountability and a commitment to sustainable agriculture.
To ensure 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).
“ACReSAL has made significant strides in addressing environmental challenges,” Dr. Hashim added. “Under the project, we’ve planted three million trees, rehabilitated 106 kilometers of shelterbelt, and restored 24,865 hectares of degraded land. Over 1,200 farmers have benefited from woodlot plantations and orchards, and two nurseries, which produce one million seedlings annually, have been rehabilitated.”
The project has also made strides in combating water scarcity, constructing 50 solar-powered boreholes across various communities, and renovating the Soil and Water Laboratory at Northwest University Kano. Additionally, livelihood support has been provided to communities in the Falgore Game Reserve.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf commended Dr. Hashim for his exemplary leadership, calling him the most outstanding commissioner in the state. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to environmental sustainability, economic empowerment, and securing further funding to expand the CRF initiative.
Supported by the World Bank, the project aims to improve 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 resource management.
Abdulhamid Muhammad, ACReSAL’s National Project Coordinator, also lauded Governor Yusuf for appointing Dr. Hashim as Commissioner for the Environment, calling the decision well deserved.
As the funds are disbursed, stakeholders are encouraged to maintain integrity in managing resources, ensuring lasting benefits for Kano’s agricultural and environmental sectors.
