The World Bank has commended the impact of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) programme in Gombe State, describing its interventions as both impressive and transformative

The commendation followed an official visit by a World Bank delegation to Gombe for project inspection and community engagement. The team assessed key initiatives including the FCE(T) gully control catchment, greenhouse facilities, fishponds, and a solar-powered borehole at Jauro Abare, where women are actively engaged in farming and other livelihood activities.

World Bank Regional Director for Planet, Chakib Jenane, and Marina Wes, Director of Strategy and Operations, noted that the quality of work and community support initiatives reflect strong progress. They added that the Bank is working with Nigeria’s Federal Government on a new country framework that will prioritize domestic resource mobilization, agriculture, and related development priorities.

Representing Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, the Commissioner for Environment, Water Resources and Forestry, Mohammed Saidu Fawu, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to sustainable development.

He thanked the World Bank for its continued support and called for expanded interventions to reach more communities. Fawu emphasized that all funds released for the projects were judiciously utilized, stressing that earlier partnerships of this scale could have accelerated Gombe’s development trajectory.

ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Dr. Sani Adamu Jauro, outlined the programme’s achievements, including reclamation of degraded lands, improved water harvesting, protection of lives and property, job creation through livelihood interventions, and environmental protection measures such as tree planting and distribution of eco-friendly stoves.

Beneficiaries also expressed gratitude to the World Bank, the Gombe State Government, and ACReSAL, noting that the projects have transformed their lives, enhanced self-reliance, and provided sustainable sources of income.

The visit underscores the World Bank’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and sustainable outcomes, while reinforcing Gombe State’s dedication to resilience, agriculture, and environmental protection.