Food Security: Yobe Scales Up ACReSAL’s Revolving Loans To 101 Farmer Groups

In a significant step toward enhancing food security and supporting grassroots agriculture, the Yobe State government has expanded its Community Revolving Fund (CRF) initiative to cover 101 farming communities under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project.

A statement from the communication officer of the ACReSAL, Ibrahim Baba Saleh, said the rollout began in Damaturu, where representatives of 37 farming communities from seven local government areas in Zone A signed financing agreements and Memoranda of Acceptance for the CRF loans.

A similar event was launched in Potiskum for 25 beneficiaries from Zone B, while 39 beneficiaries from Zone C converged on Gashua to sign the financing agreement.

Each of the 101 communities is set to receive a CRF loan of $25,000, amounting to a cumulative disbursement of $2,525,000 in support. The fund will benefit 482 Community Interest Groups (CIGs), comprising 7,340 direct beneficiaries, including 4,857 men and 2,483 women.

Speaking at the Damaturu event, the Yobe State commissioner for environment and chairman of the ACReSAL State Steering Committee, Hon. Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa, represented by the co-chair of the Technical Committee and permanent secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Alhaji Garba Tahir, emphasised the importance of agriculture to the state’s economy and food security goals.

“The revolving loan scheme is a strategic investment in our communities. It empowers smallholder farmers, strengthens rural economies, and directly contributes to food security,” he stated.

He noted that the programme’s expansion follows the successful implementation of a pilot phase, launched in January 2025 by Governor Mai Mala Buni and covering 10 communities.

ACReSAL State project coordinator Shehu Alhaji Mohammed commended the pilot communities’ high level of discipline, especially in recovering 65% of the loan.

The coordinator urged the new beneficiaries to sustain the momentum through responsible loan utilisation and timely repayment to ensure continuity of the revolving fund.

He also highlighted the significance of community ownership in the process, adding that the program’s design is meant to foster accountability and sustainability at the grassroots level.

The CRF scheme under ACReSAL is designed to support climate-smart agriculture, enhance productivity, and reduce rural poverty by aligning it with Governor Buni’s vision for a more food-secure and economically resilient Yobe State.