Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has unveiled a $1 million climate-resilience project to protect farming communities from floods, drought, soil degradation and post-harvest losses.
The project, a 2-month programme, was launched and would be used for preventive measures to strengthen agricultural assets, improve access to water, restore degraded land and help vulnerable households cope with climate-related shocks.
It was gathered that the project was launched in Katsina State on Thursday and will initially cover Bindawa, Bakori and Kafur Local Government Areas.
Mercy Corps Nigeria is implementing the intervention in partnership with the Katsina State Development Management Board (KTDMB) and the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
Radda said the increasing impact of climate change required practical action, particularly in a state where agriculture remains central to livelihoods and economic activity.
“Climate change is a reality. We have no way to hide from it, and we must confront it with all our capacity and ability,” the governor said.
He said protecting land and water resources would help farmers increase production, improve household earnings and strengthen food security.
Radda also directed relevant ministries and agencies to explore ways of extending similar interventions to other parts of the state.
The governor asked the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and KTDMB to improve coordination among participating agencies and development partners.
He also urged the three beneficiary local governments to provide the support needed for smooth implementation.
KTDMB Executive Secretary, Dr Mustapha Shehu, said the project was developed from identified vulnerabilities and baseline assessments in the selected communities.
He added that several state ministries would participate in implementing the programme.
Mercy Corps Nigeria Programme Manager, Philip Ikita, said the intervention would focus on prevention rather than waiting for disasters to occur.
He said 150 farms would receive soil bunds, contour barriers and drainage systems to reduce the effects of erosion and flooding.
According to Ikita, 180 people would be engaged through a cash-for-work programme to restore degraded land through vegetation, while at least 12 solar-powered water systems would be rehabilitated for farming and livestock activities.
The programme will also target post-harvest losses by rehabilitating 150 storage facilities, providing 500 hermetic storage bags and training households on better food preservation methods.
Ikita said 300 women would receive assistance to diversify their livelihoods, while farmers would undergo training in climate-smart agriculture.
Communities would also be taught hazard mapping, contingency planning and disaster preparedness.
The beneficiaries will include smallholder farmers, grazing-dependent households, women, vulnerable families, youths, persons with disabilities and other groups considered at risk from climate-related disruptions.
Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Malik Anas, described the intervention as timely and stressed that effective monitoring and coordination at the grassroots would be crucial to achieving its objectives.