The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project has successfully disbursed the Community Revolving Fund (CRF) directly to 50 Community Interest Groups (CIGs) across 10 communities in the FCT.

The direct disbursement is a follow up to the formal ceremony that was held in December 2024, during which the Honourable Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, alongside the World Bank ACReSAL Implementation Support Team and other project officials, handed over cheques totalling $250,000 (approximately ₦383.25 million) to the Community Revolving Fund Management Committees (CRFMCs).

FCT ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Mrs. Caroline Opara, who supervised the disbursement in the communities, highlighted that the CRF is a central pillar of the ACReSAL initiative, designed to empower community-based groups with financial resources needed to undertake sustainable agricultural and livelihood activities in line with the Project Development Objectives of ACReSAL on fostering environmental sustainability and building economic resilience.

Mrs. Opara explained that the Project Office had through the CRF Core Group and Focal NGO conducted a thorough review of the groups’ business plans and provided comprehensive training in financial management and procurement, all aimed at equipping the groups with the necessary skills to effectively utilize the funds and maximize their impact.

Opara encouraged the groups to manage the resources responsibly and to seek guidance from the ACReSAL team whenever needed. She also encouraged the beneficiaries to work based on proposals on their business plans and revert to the office when they see the need to change businesses.

“We are committed to supporting community-based initiatives that promote sustainable livelihoods and environmental sustainability. The CRF if well utilized by the 50 CIGs will improve the lives of their members and contribute to the overall development of the benefitting communities and the FCT at large’’. Opara said.

The Project Coordinator emphasized that the CRF operates as a revolving fund, requiring groups to repay the funds as stipulated. She underscored the importance of accountability and transparency in managing the resources, noting that the success of the CRF depends largely on the beneficiaries’ commitment to adhering to the guidelines set by the Project.

“The ACReSAL Project expects that the CRF will have a transformative impact on your communities by creating sustainable livelihoods for your members, reducing poverty, and enhancing their capacity to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change. As you embark on implementing your projects, remember that your success will not only uplift your communities but also serve as an inspiring model for others across the FCT and beyond,” Mrs. Opara added.

The disbursement saw the Project Coordinator visiting each of the 10 pilot communities namely: Dafa, Bako, Sheda, Pukafa, Ike, Tekpese, Wako, Ashara, Gbawuji, and Rugan Bature. where she presented the cheques in person to each CIG amidst cheers. Each community comprised of 5 Community Interest Groups (CIGs), bringing the total number of CIGs to 50.

To ensure the smooth implementation of ACReSAL interventions, the project team established Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) Committees in all the ten communities. This Opara said is to provide a structured platform for addressing and resolving any grievances or concerns that may arise.

In their separate remarks, the groups, through their leaders, conveyed profound appreciation to the ACReSAL Project for the initiative. They expressed enthusiasm and commitment to executing their various plans to enhance their livelihoods, strengthen their communities, and contribute to the overall development of the FCT.