The Federal Capital Territory Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) has commenced the distribution of farm machinery to Community Interest Group (CIG’s) across the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory.

At a townhall meeting held at Kwali Area Council, FCT ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Mrs. Caroline Opara, explained that the distribution follows the formal inauguration of the machinery by the Honourable Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, in July 2024.

According to Opara, the meeting was convened to engage with the groups and solicit their valuable inputs on the development of an agreed comprehensive operational guidelines which will ensure the optimal utilization of the machinery as they relate to, safety and sustainability of the machinery.

As Opara emphasized, “FCT ACReSAL is determined to guarantee the success of this initiative and since ACReSAL give priority on participation, we have organized this meeting to educate stakeholders and reach a consensus on operational guidelines before handing over the machinery and this I am sure, will ensure effective management and that we realise the set objectives.”

She stressed that the machinery, including tractors and power tillers, are valuable assets that must be used judiciously and transparently, as they hold the key to unlocking the full potential of mechanized agriculture and generating lasting benefits for the community.

The town hall meeting which was attended by members of Site Implementation Committees (SICs) representatives of CIGs, and extension agents, provided a platform for participants to express concerns and clarify their roles and responsibilities.

A key moment of the event was the establishment of Local Management committees, tasked with ensuring that all stakeholders, take ownership of the machineries thereby facilitating inclusive decision-making, promoting responsible use and maintenance of the inputs.

In a symbolic gesture, Mrs. Opara officially handed over some of the machinery to the newly elected Local Management Committees of Abaji and Kwali Area Councils.