By Abdullahi Yusuf
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State on Thursday launched a Community Revolving Fund(CRF) aimed at boosting assorted crops production in the state.
The initiative is also aimed at eradicating poverty and supporting interest groups in selected communities and ultimately strengthening communities for optimal growth.
Launching the programme at the Government House, Yusuf said the community revolving fund was part of a broader effort to promote economic growth and development in the state.
“By providing access to capital, the fund enables communities to invest in agricultural projects, improve food security, and increase economic opportunities,”he said.
In addition to the community revolving fund,he said,the State Government had made significant efforts to combat desertification by recovering land and planting over 3 million trees across the state.
“This initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability and its recognition of the importance of preserving natural resources for future generations,” the governor said.
The launching of the programme,he explained, underscored the importance of community-led initiatives in driving economic growth and development in the state.
“By empowering local communities and providing them with the resources they need to succeed, the government can help create a more prosperous and sustainable future for all,”he said.
He urged the beneficiaries of the revolving funds to utilize them for the intended purpose boosting – production of assorted food crops in the state.
Earlier,the state Commissioner of Environment,Dr Dahiru Mohammed, said The Community Revolving Fund (CRF) initiative under the ACReSAL Project was more than just a financial intervention.
“It is a transformational resource designed to uplift our communities, enhance agricultural productivity, and strengthen our fight against climate change,” Mohammed said.
Through the programme he said, direct financial support was provided to 30 registered Community Interest Groups (CIGs) and farmer cooperatives to enable them invest in climate-smart agriculture that would increase food security, improve livelihoods and build resilience against environmental challenges.
“The CRF initiative is another pillar in ACReSAL’s broader strategy to ensure that our people, especially our farmers and Agro-allied businesses, are equipped to thrive. We are confident that this CRF will be a model for success in community-driven development.
“The selection of the 10 beneficiary communities of Chiranchi, Diso, Kofar Naisa, Galadanchi, Gwale, Kwankwaso, Garo, Sarigirin, Gobirawa, and Dala—was guided by strict criteria to ensure that the funds go to those who are ready and willing to embrace sustainable agricultural practices,” the commissioner added.
Each of the 10 benefiting communities received a cheque of the sum of $25,000 from the governor at the occasion.