Ten different Community Interest Groups (CIGs) are expected to be formed from the community groups to benefit from the ACReSAL Community Revolving Fund – CRF.

Addressing the community members at different times during the formation exercise in Zazirmari, Bajoga and Sangaru, Funakaye, and London Maidoruwa, Gombe the Gombe State ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Amb. Sani Adamu Jauro the CRF will support community and farmer groups to undertake climate-smart agriculture-related activities.

He explained that the CRF is a village-level fund aimed at supporting community and farmer groups to undertake investment specific to the climate-smart rain-fed crops intervention, calling the communities to ensure peaceful coexistence and harmony for the success of the programme.

Amb. Sani Adamu added that the CRF strategy which aligns with the policy thrust of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya would build the capacity of the communities for climate-resilient livelihood, develop climate smart agricultural investment plan, establish community revolving funds to finance the plans, build linkages with service providers and private sector, and enhance Famers awareness through technology demonstration.

In his remarks, the Gombe State ACReSAL Natural Resources Officer, Muhammad Musa Aliyu revealed that the CRF was not a grant but rather an investment fund for the village that can revolve and grow over time.

He said the formation of the community and farmer groups was aimed at organizing and setting up a structure that helped them access the funds after they had prepared investment and business plans and applied for the CRF loan.

In their separate reaction Caretaker Chairman of Funakaye LGA, Hon. Ibrahim Adamu Cheldu, and the Emir of Funakaye, Alh. Yakubu Muhammad Kwairanga expressed happiness with the support and commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and ACReSAL for what they described as a laudable initiative that would change the socioeconomic status of their people.