By Victoria Okpanachi
A team from the World Bank and officials of Kogi Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), at the weekend, visited Osara and Ero communities in the state to assess progress on the ongoing agroforestry land restoration programs.
At Osara, the team visited an 80-hectare oil palm farm and a 35-hectare cashew plantation, inspecting progress and stressing community ownership.
In her remark, the State Project Coordinator, Barrister Ladi Jatto, assured the community that government remained committed to improving livelihood through different ACReSAL programmes.
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She expressed appreciation to the World Bank team for their continued support and technical guidance, noting that their collaboration has been instrumental in driving progress in the state.
Barr. Jatto, noted that all these are parts of efforts to boost food security in the nation.
Speaking during the visit, an expert with the World Bank, Mr Andy Seglah, who led the delegation said the mission was not only to monitor progress, but to also work with the community in addressing gaps.
Mr. Seglah stressed the importance of local ownership, urging the cluster groups and community members to take responsibility for protecting the farms and ensuring sustainability.
He explained that proper care yields more, citing 80 hectares of healthy palm farm equals 8,000 palm fruits, which will boost impact on their livelihood greatly.
He urged the beneficiaries to nurture it carefully in order to reap long-term benefits, noting that security of the farmland must remain a priority.
Mr. Seglah commended Kogi ACReSAL on the impressive progress while urging them for continued technical support to the communities.
Mr Ahovi Salami, a beneficiary and the head of Bui Bui multipurpose cluster, commended ACReSAL, noting that the project has significantly improved livelihoods, with its impact clearly felt across the community.
The agro-forestry and land restoration program by Kogi ACReSAL cut across the senatorial districts, ensuring widespread impact to boost agricultural yields in the state.
