The FCT ACReSAL Project has successfully conducted the election of Community Business Agents (CBAs) across 10 communities in the Wako-Pukafa catchment area of Kwali Area Council.

According to the Social Livelihood Officer of the FCT Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, Mrs. Mary Iheonu, who led the FCT ACReSAL team, accompanied by the FCT Project Focal Organisation (FONGO) to Kwali, the election was in conformity with the guidelines outlined ACReSAL implementation manual, which emphasises adherence to communal democratic process as prerequisite to accessing all ACReSAL support which includes the Community Revolving Fund (CRF).

Iheonu clarified that the roles of the CBAs have been clearly defined to make it easy for them to perform their responsibilities towards achieving the desired outcome. She stated, “the CBAs will be playing crucial roles in educating their various communities on the importance of the Community Revolving Fund and its potentials to enhance their activities. They are also expected to assist community members with the process of applying for CRF as well as participating in the evaluating fund applications. We also expect to be working together with the CBAs to monitor repayments and providing support to beneficiaries”.

The team used the opportunity of the exercise to enlighten participants on the innovative concept of the CRF and emphasised the critical role of CBAs positioned as key to driving the initiative in their various communities, particularly in ensuring the Community Interest Groups (CIG’s) meet the requirements for accessing the funds.

She emphasised ACReSAL’s strong commitment to gender inclusivity, targeting at least 40% women’s participation to not only address their needs but supporting their activities in the food production systems.

The elections were conducted in the following 10 communities of Wako, Pukafa, Dafa, and Sheda 1, Ashara, Bako, Tekpese, Ike, Gwawuji and Rugan Bature all in Kwali Area Council.

The event was witnessed by the Estu Wako, Alh Abdulaziz Ibrahim Usman, who praised ACReSAL’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of communities in the Federal Capital Territory, expressing confidence that Kwali Area Council would serve as an exemplary model for the ACReSAL project.

The event also provided an opportunity for the ACReSAL team to formally introduce the focal non-governmental organization (FONGO) team to the communities.