From Abubakar Rabilu Gombe
The Federal Government, in collaboration with the World Bank-assisted Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), has begun developing Strategic Catchment Management Plans for key river basins across the North-East and Plateau states.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement in Gombe, ACReSAL National Coordinator, Abdulhamid Umar, said the plans will guide international donors and investors in supporting communities while safeguarding watersheds.
He noted that fertile land and water remain central to human survival, stressing that poverty, climate change and insecurity have forced people out of their farmlands.
Gombe State ACReSAL Coordinator, Dr. Sani Jauro, highlighted successes recorded in the state, including the stabilisation of 21km of gully erosion, provision of revolving funds and alternative livelihoods such as fish farming and poultry to discourage harmful practices like charcoal production and sand mining.
State Commissioner for Water, Environment and Forest Resources, Mohammed Saidu Fawu, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to sustainable land and water management through the ACReSAL project.