2022-04-08
aACReSAL project pre launch and implementation manual review workshop.
ACReSAL project pre launch and implementation manual review workshop.
Read MorePOSTED BY
Admin
2024-04-12
Bauchi ACReSAL Project Management Unit Welcomes New Senior Special Assistant to Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed on the project
In a significant development for the project, Alhaji Adamu Abubakar Barde (Bunun Duguri) assumed office as the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed on Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi Arid Landscape (ACReSAL). Taking up his responsibilities on 10th January 2024, Alhaji Barde pledged to collaborate closely with the State Project Management Unit (SPMU) to advance the project's goals. The State Project Coordinator, Dr. Ibrahim Kabir, extended a warm welcome to the SSA, emphasized the pivotal role his appointment plays in bolstering ongoing efforts. Dr. Kabir highlighted the advanced stage of project implementation and expressed optimism that Alhaji Barde's tenure would inject fresh impetus into the My Bauchi Project initiatives championed by the current administration.
Read MorePOSTED BY
Admin
2024-02-15
Bauchi Communities Urged to Embrace ACReSAL Initiatives
Bauchi State Agro-climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project has called upon residents of Yalwan Juga, Dagu, and nearby communities to embrace ACReSAL initiatives for their collective progress and development. This call was made during the Community Revolving Fund (CRF) sensitization exercise conducted at Yalwan Juga and Dagu communities in Toro and Warji local government areas of Bauchi state. Led by Dr. Ibrahim Kabir, the State Project Coordinator, on February 15th and 16th, 2024 respectively, the SPC provided an overview of the ACReSAL project during the sensitization exercise, assuring the communities of the project's readiness to address environmental, agricultural, and water challenges exacerbated by climate change. The initiative aims to tackle climate change-related issues while enhancing the livelihoods of communities for sustainable development through the Community Revolving Fund initiative. The Community Revolving Fund (CRF) is one of the project's initiatives designed to assist farmers in accessing soft loans to improve agricultural activities and create job opportunities within the communities. These funds will be accessible and disbursed through Registered Farmers Associations. During the sensitization exercise, communities were enlightened about the environmental consequences of deforestation and encouraged to prioritize tree planting to combat water flooding, drought, soil erosion, and desertification.
Read MorePOSTED BY
Admin
2024-02-14
Community Revolving Fund sensitisation in Duguri Community, Inspection of Water Flood Site
In its quest to achieve Community Driven Approach of ACReSAL, the Bauchi State Project Management Unit (SPMU) ACReSAL project conducted a sensitization program in Duguri and Gajin-Duguri of Alkaleri local government area. The focus was on educating the community about Community Revolving Funds (CRF) and inspecting water flooding sites in the area. The ACReSAL team engaged with community members at the District Head Palace, explaining the purpose of their visit: to assess the water flooding situation and develop engineering solutions to address it. Alhaji Adamu Abubakar Barde, the SSA to Governor Bala Mohammed on ACReSAL who led the delegation on the 14th February 2024 emphasized state government's commitment to resolving issues in environment , Agriculture and Water sectors through ACReSAL.
Read MorePOSTED BY
Admin
2024-02-20
FAO in partnership with ACReSAL Train technical Officers on Land Restoration Techniques
The Bauchi State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project team led by the State Project Coordinator Dr. Ibrahim Kabir MNES, FSEPH, FIICA MISPON, actively partcipated in a three-day training workshop on land restoration techniques Which took place recently in Abuja from 20th-22nd of February 2024. Organised by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in partnership with ACReSAL, the workshop equipped project participants with the necessary knowledge and skills for effective restoration of degraded lands through best agricultural practices in Northern Nigeria. FAO's partnership with ACReSAL is to support in the restoration of 350,000 out of one million hectares of degraded landscapes to be reclaimed in northern states, for the successful implementation of ACReSAL in Nigeria. World Bank and FAO underscored the significance of collaboration in achieving landscape restoration goals and expressed hope that the training would enhance participants' capabilities toward project objectives.The training ceremony was graced by the Perm Sec Federal Mins. of Envi., World Bank, the National and States Project Coordinators alongside key technical Officers of ACReSAL among others.
Read MorePOSTED BY
Admin
2024-02-21
Bauchi ACReSAL pledges support in Faecal Sludge Management in the State
The Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL) project to affirmed the commitment to bolster Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) for climate resilience in Bauchi State. Dr. Ibrahim Kabir MNES, FSEPH, FIICA MISPON (Maga Yakin Cheledi), the Bauchi State Project Coordinator of ACReSAL gave the affirmation in a Strategy Development Workshop on Climate Resilience Faecal Sludge Management organized by the United Nations Children's Education Funds (UNICEF) with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in Bauchi. Dr. Kabir stated that ACReSAL will back the initiative as part of its institutional strengthening component to enhance capacity and achieve the targeted goal of faecal sludge management. Com. Mins. of Envi. Rtd Hon. Danlami Ahmed Kawule, DG BASEPA, PC ACReSAL, UNICEF, among other partners in progress.
Read MorePOSTED BY
Admin
2024-09-13
ACReSAL Strategic Stakeholders Engagement on Catchment Management Plan Development Begins in Kano: Bauchi ACReSAL, along with key stakeholders, actively participating in the workshop
The Bauchi State Project Management Unit (PMU), alongside key stakeholders from traditional institutions and various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), led by the State Project Coordinator Dr. Ibrahim Kabir, commenced participation in a strategic stakeholders' engagement for the development of a Catchment Management Plan under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project in Kano State. The workshop is taking place at Tahir Guest Palace, Kano, and aims to strengthen the countrys long-term ability to manage climate-resilient landscapes, was organized by the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) of ACReSAL in collaboration with Mecon Geology and Engineering Services Limited, the firm tasked with developing the catchment management plan. In his opening address, Abdulhamid Umar, the National Project Coordinator, emphasized that the engagement will involve critical interactions with stakeholders from the Ngada West Chad, Yedseram-East Chad, Hadejia, and Katagun K-Gana catchments, which span across Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Bauchi, and Kano States. The NPC, represented by Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim, Kano State Project Coordinator, stressed the importance of developing the Catchment Management Plan to help ACReSAL achieve its objectives. These objectives include the restoration of one million hectares of degraded land, making it suitable for cultivation, habitation, and other purposes, which will benefit both men and women. Umar also highlighted that the plan will integrate socioeconomic needs, address challenges to natural ecosystems, and ensure the sustainable use of natural resources. He urged participants to contribute meaningfully to the discussions for the betterment of the communities. Speaking to the press, Dr. Ibrahim Kabir, who is also the Chairman of ACReSAL Project Coordinators, emphasized the importance of the catchment management plan, particularly for the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which are involved in the project. The engagement, he explained, brings together diverse stakeholders from riparian states to understand and address the challenges and threats unique to these areas. This will ensure harmonious management of issues affecting the river basin. Dr. Kabir elaborated on the concept of a "catchment" within the project, referring to watersheds in various states where water resource management, environmental conservation, and agriculture can be integrated to achieve a common goal. He highlighted the need for coordinated activities among states in riverine areas to avoid negative impacts on one another. Mr. Chuka J. Offofile, Managing Director of Mecon Geology and Engineering Services Ltd, explained that the engagement is designed to gather input from stakeholders from the five riparian states. The goal is to address challenges affecting these states and to contribute to the development of the Strategic Catchment Management Plan, which will guide the successful implementation of the ACReSAL project. Offofile emphasized that the interconnectedness of policies, goals, agriculture, and wildlife in these areas necessitates a shared vision and the inclusion of all stakeholders to address the challenges facing the wetlands. In a goodwill message, Engr. Muhammad Galadima Magaji, District Head of Azare, who has long been involved in the Hadejia-Jamaare-Komadugu river basin project, described the engagement as timely. He expressed hope that the strategic plan would address the challenges faced by communities along the basin, particularly in agriculture, and bring relief to those affected. Participants from Bauchi include the state Project Coordinator, SSA to the governor on ACReSAL, District Heads of Azare and Jama'are, Bauchi SPMU team and stakeholders from relevant MDAs. Communication Unit Bauchi ACReSAL 13th September 2024
Read MorePOSTED BY
Admin
2024-10-21
NTFP ARE KEY RESOURCES FOR MANY RURAL HOUSEHOLDS FAO TRAINS ACRESAL STAFF IN BAUCHI
It has been observed that Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) are key resources for many rural households, providing food, income, and employment, while contributing to the conservation of our forests. The assertion was made by the Country Representative of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Koffy Dominique at the opening ceremony of a 5 day training on value chain development for non timber forest products management, held at the Chartwell Hotel in Bauchi. Participants of the training include Project Coordinators (PCs) of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL) Project from the Twelve Northern states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, Kebbi, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara comprising ACReSAL PCs and FAO Desk Officers, Two Community Interests Groups and Two Focal NGOs under the ACReSAL operations. Represented by FAON Project Focal Person, Dr Precious Agbesor, the FAO UN Country Representative said that Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations remains committed to advancing sustainable agriculture and forestry in Nigeria, adding that it recognizes the critical role that NTFPs play in reducing poverty, enhancing food security, and supporting rural development. This training has been designed to strengthen our capacity to sustainably manage, harvest, and market these valuable resources. And to equip participants with practical skills and knowledge, that would enable you all to leverage NTFPs in ways that are economically beneficial while preserving biodiversity Through workshops like this, we aim to create lasting impact by empowering communities to harness the potential of their natural resources responsibly and effectively, believing that this will lead to meaningful outcomes for the ACReSAL project, he said. Also Speaking, the National Project Coordinator, ACReSAL, Abdulhamid Umar stated that the training is aimed at developing a range of activities in the management of NTFPs in the ACReSAL implementation states. Represented by Focal Person, Ruth Erezih, the ACReSAL National Project Coordinator he was delighted that the participants were at the training to brainstorm and learn more how to add value on NTFP products. I am delighted that important milestone has been achieved, as prat of the technical assistance engagement of the FAO and support in the restoration of 350, 000 Hectares only of the 1,000,000 Hectares earmarked for the ACReSAL project. This training marks an important step in our collective journey towards forest management and community livehood Improvement. We are all aware that non-timber forest products play a important role in the livelihood of millions of People, particularly those dwelling in forest dependent communities he said He noted that the Sustainable development & NTFPs value chain not only contributes to economic empowerment but environmental empowerment, also promotes environmental Conservation and resilience which are the key Components of the ACReSAL project. In his remarks, the Project Coordinator, Bauchi ACReSAL, Dr Ibrahim Kabir stated that the training is a platform for impacting Knowledge, experience sharing of of ideas, fostering of partnership and target achievement. Dr Ibrahim Kabir said that the significance of partnership cannot be over-emphasized especially as it relates to the two organization with similar objectives and targets, adding that partnership between FAO and ACReSAL is a win-win for both parties and everyone else involved. It also serves as the way for achieving the PDO of ACReSAL in the areas of landscape restoration and Sustainable Landscape Management. In view of this, your participation and efforts, whether as speaker, resource person, Organizer, trainee, trainer even an attendee, is what come out from this training and transform from a vision into a memorable reality. It is worth noting that we have an exciting lineup of activities designed to both enlighten and educate all participants. In conclusion, I want to extend a warm welcome to each one of you, especially our guests from outside of Bauchi state whose presence today adds a remarkable value to the gathering and restates the significance of the training, he said. Bauchi ACReSAL Oct 21, 2024
Read MorePOSTED BY
Admin
2024-12-18
ACReSAL HIGH-LEVEL STAKEHOLDERS VALIDATE AND ENDORSE DEVELOPED STRATEGIC CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN
High-level stakeholders, including the Executive Governors of Gombe and Jigawa states, ministers, commissioners, of the three-line ministries of the project and representatives of traditional institutions, gathered today at the Intercontinental Hotel, Abuja, to endorse and validate the Strategic Catchment Management Plan developed under the World Bank-supported ACReSAL project. The plan, covering 20 catchments across ACReSAL states, aims to address upstream activities that negatively impact downstream communities and also outlines actionable strategies to protect catchments while improving community livelihoods. During the event, Bauchi States Commissioner, Ministry of Environment, Rt. Hon. Danlami Ahmed Kawule applauded the efforts behind the plans development, hailing its successful completion as a significant milestone. The Commissioner urged participants to stay committed to implementing transformative actions that will benefit future generations. He also expressed gratitude to ACReSAL Task Team Leader Dr. Joy Iganya, the World Bank, and the ACReSAL team for their steadfast support. The District Head of Azare, Engr. Mohammed G. Magaji highlighted the significant improvements the catchment management plan will bring, especially in addressing long-standing issues with the Nguru wetlands. He commended ACReSAL for its achievements, including establishing water schemes along cattle routes to reduce herder-farmer conflicts and providing farmers with improved seeds and inputs to enhance agricultural productivity. He also recommended further investment in water conservation facilities. The event was attended by two state governors, three federal ministers, and commissioners overseeing agriculture, environment, and water resources from participating states. Project coordinators, Royal Fathers and technical officers from Bauchi, Yobe, Jigawa, and Plateau states were also present. ACReSAL: Greening the Environment, Saving Lives. Communication Unit
Read MorePOSTED BY
Admin
2025-02-28
REVITALIZING THE YANKARI GAME RESERVE: The Bauchi ACReSAL Project Intervention
Set up in 1956, the 2,244 square kilometer wildlife sanctuary with natural warm water springs and a beautiful savanna landscape was home to a stunning variety of animals and plants. Beyond its wildlife, Yankari also tells the story of ancient human history, with remnants of old iron-smelting sites and caves. Despite its closeness to local communities, the reserve itself has remained untouched by human habitation for over a century, allowing it to thrive as a natural treasure. Yankari has drawn tourists from all over the world and for decades it was a top tourist destination in Nigeria, and a cornerstone of ecotourism in West Africa. But by 2023, it had suffered from years of neglect, which affected tourist numbers. Visitors complained about the lack of reliable safari vehicles and trained guides, and poor condition of facilities, such as the changing rooms and toilets at the famous Wikki Warm Springs. The Rangers responsible for protecting this massive landscape lacked proper uniforms, first-aid kits, and essential tools for their jobs. ACReSAL In April 2023, the Bauchi State Project Management Unit of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project of the Government of Nigeria and supported by the World Bank, stepped in: New game-viewing trucks were purchased, facilities at the warm springs rehabilitated, proper first-aid measures introduced and the parks 150 rangers provided with new uniforms, night-vision goggles, walkie talkies and torches. The all-male group of rangers were also trained in interpretation, social engagement, dialogue, and patrolling techniques, improving their communication with tourists as well as their ability to protect the reserve. All these interventions fostered a new sense of purpose among the staff. Soon enough, the 131 million Nigerian Naira (~ USD 270,000 then) investment began to show results. Service units began to compete to improve standards, and suddenly, what was once seen as a burden turned into an opportunity for growth. The Impact Today, the impact is visible. The rangers, once ill-equipped, now patrol with pride and confidence and are able to patrol more effectively at nighttime, cutting down poaching incidents significantly. Their interpretation to tourists is clearer and makes better use of the language of conservation. While this has enriched the overall visitor experience, t has also boosted the morale of the rangers: They are no longer just protectors of wildlife but have become ambassadors of the reserve. The new safari trucks charging N 15,000 (~USD 20) per trip have completely changed the visitor experience. College students on a research trip were able to get up close to wildlife with the new vehicles, an experience that left a lasting impact. It was incredible to observe animals in their natural habitat, something we had only seen in textbooks, one said. By September 2023, tourists had increased from around 500 to 2,000 per month, while the improving tourism benefitted around 10,000 food vendors, photographers, fuel station operators, souvenir sellers and others. Also, although it did not fund the Reserve, the state government renovated the restaurant, some Executive Rooms and some other areas (with a second renovation planned for October 2024). The new safari trucks charging N 15,000 (~USD 20) per trip led to a 25% increase in tourism revenue. Dr. Yusuf the General Manager of the Yankari Game Reserve confirmed that they collected more than 48 million Naira (~ 65,000 USD) in the 9 months from October 2023 and June 2024 from fees for tickets, safari rides, warm spring visits and toilet facility use. All of this meant that the Reserve was able to not just pay its casual workers, and utility, medical and maintenance bills, but also to clean the warm spring, upgrade restrooms, add picnic areas, and recruit around 40 new staff members from the local community. Whats Next? The intervention wasnt just about providing equipmentit was about long-term change. All maintenance and repair costs have been incorporated into the Bauchi State Ministry of Tourism and Cultures budget, ensuring that the improvements at Yankari are here to stay. A Baseline Study and a ten-year (2025-2035) Management Plan are being developed to ensure that Yankari remains a leading ecological and tourist destination for years to come. This Yankari story shows that with the right tools, training, and support, even the most neglected places can be revitalized. Today, the Yankari Game Reserve is not just survivingits thriving, and its best days are ahead.
Read MorePOSTED BY
