The Gombe State Government has announced the release of N2.2 billion to facilitate the Resettlement Action Plan under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project. Dr. Sani Jauro, the state Project Coordinator, made this announcement during a training session in Bauchi for stakeholders involved in the ACReSAL initiative, which is backed by the World Bank. This funding is part of a broader effort to address desertification, restore degraded land, and enhance rural livelihoods across 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, with a goal of rehabilitating one million hectares by the year 2028.

The ACReSAL project aims to implement practices that promote sustainable landscape management while reinforcing climate resilience amongst affected communities. By prioritizing watershed rehabilitation and restoration efforts, the project seeks to mitigate the severe impacts of climate change and land degradation in these vulnerable areas. Dr. Jauro emphasized that Governor Muhammadu Yahaya’s prompt release of funds will aid in ensuring timely compensation for affected residents, thereby preventing disputes that could delay project execution.

This significant financial injection underscores the commitment of the Gombe State Government to not only adhere to the plans laid out in the ACReSAL project but also to improve the livelihoods of communities impacted by environmental challenges. As the project unfolds, stakeholders hope that it will foster collaborative efforts to secure a sustainable agricultural future for the region, mitigate disruptions caused by climate change, and bolster the resilience of communities reliant on agriculture and natural resources in northern Nigeria.