Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has launched the distribution of climate-smart agricultural inputs, tractors, and community revolving funds under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project.
A statement issued in Jalingo on Wednesday said the governor also presented cheques to farmers and communities as part of efforts to boost agricultural development in the state.
Speaking at the event, Kefas highlighted the state’s long-standing partnership with the World Bank, which has helped transform agriculture through climate-smart and community-driven initiatives.
“The collaboration has brought world-class resources and expertise directly to our farmers and communities,” the statement quoted the governor as saying.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to scaling up the project to make Taraba a model for sustainable agriculture.
The ACReSAL Project’s World Bank Team Leader, Joy Iganya Agene, commended the governor for his commitment, noting that his support had enabled the project to progress to its second phase in the state.
She described ACReSAL as essential in combating climate change and urged communities to utilize available resources to build resilience.
Also speaking, Taraba’s Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Aishat Barde, said the intervention aligns with the governor’s agenda to restore degraded land and increase food productivity.
She emphasized the importance of supporting women and youth, who are among the most vulnerable to climate change impacts.
In his remarks, Dr. Ishaku Adda Ali, Chairman of the Taraba State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, and Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps, Secretary to the State Government, lamented the environmental degradation affecting the region.
The ACReSAL Country Representative, Abdulhamid Umar, praised the governor’s leadership, stating that his administration’s support had strengthened the project’s impact in Taraba.
Two beneficiaries at the event shared testimonies of how the project had improved their farming activities and livelihoods, expressing gratitude to the government for its intervention.
