KWACReSAL kicks off CIG formation for CRF in targeted watershed communities
In a move to advance the Community Revolving Fund (CRF) implementation in Kwara State, the Agro-climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL) program has commenced forming Community Interest Groups (CIGs) in selected watershed communities.
Earlier visits to these communities were conducted to sensitize and enlighten residents about the CRF initiative, detailing the criteria that CIGs must meet to qualify for the fund’s benefits.
According to the project plan, the CRF program will initially target ten communities to ensure effective management. The formation activities focused on organizing five communities each from two micro-catchments, Asa and Lata, as pilot areas. The selected communities are located within Asa, Ilorin West, Edu, and Patigi Local Government Areas.
The Asa River Micro-Watershed includes Afon, Gbago, Laduba, Ogbondoroko, and Egbejila, while the Lata Micro-Watershed comprises Woro-Lata, Wodata, Kokodo, Lata-Nna, and Takalafia communities.
Leading the CRF team to Asa and Patigi communities, State Project Coordinator Alhaji Shamsideen Aregbe, represented by Natural Resource Officer Mallam Salihu Hussein and Project Engineer Engr. Hussain Abubakar, provided insights into the formation criteria for interest groups and necessary documentation.
Engr. Abubakar emphasized that each group should be registered, consist of 10-25 members, and include core farmers. The State Project Management Unit (SPMU) also prioritized gender inclusiveness by ensuring women held key positions within the groups.
He stated that the CRF program aims to improve social livelihoods, enhance economic conditions, and ensure food security for the citizens.
Community members expressed their readiness and commitment to forming the groups and pledged their full support for the program’s success in their areas.
