Delegates from the World Bank and the Federal Government of Nigeria driving the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project visited IITA on 27 – 30 November to explore critical collaboration initiatives to deliver climate-smart solutions for agriculture and landscape restoration. ACReSAL is a World Bank-assisted project in Nigeria aimed at addressing land degradation and climate change challenges in the country’s northern parts on a multi-dimensional scale. The visit followed IITA Director General Simeon Ehui’s call for collaboration with the World Bank since his assumption of office in August.
Their visit coincided with the visit of the technical advisors to the president and vice president on agriculture and food security, Heather Ronke-Akanni and Marion Moon, respectively. The pleasant coincidence posed a fine opportunity to discuss the nation’s food challenges and propose solutions from a more holistic plane.
IITA Principal Scientist based in Kano, Alpha Kamara, presented some of the challenges northern farmers face in Nigeria, aggravated by increased population. He said IITA has been developing climate-smart solutions and practices that farmers adopt in their fields, including planting improved varieties and intercropping their seeds with legumes.
However, he noted the need to intensify efforts since land is not expanding, yet the population is increasing. He said, “We can do this through strong partnerships with government and private institutions to rally financial support for the deployment of our research, technologies, and extension services.”
Following intensive deliberations with key stakeholders, the IITA team delivered a draft proposal for climate-smart technology, agriculture, and irrigation delivery to farmers in partnership with the World Bank and the Federal Government of Nigeria. World Bank Senior Environmental Management Specialist Joy Agene expressed her delight at the beautiful partnership gained and the successful delivery of their visit’s objective. She said, “We are grateful for the technical depth of the carefully selected team we worked with. With this partnership, we are certain that the people waiting to receive this intervention will have the benefits they desire.”
Contributed by Folake OduntanContribué par
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