ACReSAL Unveils Poverty-Reduction, Flood Control Plan in Abuja Community
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes Project (ACReSAL) has rolled out an ambitious action plan in Jiwa, a community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), targeting poverty reduction, flood control and climate-resilient livelihoods as part of a broader strategy to transform vulnerable rural settlements.During a community engagement in Jiwa, the project’s Task Team Leader and Senior Environmental Specialist at the World Bank, Joy Agene, outlined a multi-layered intervention designed to address both economic hardship and environmental risks threatening the community.At the heart of the plan is the creation of sustainable income streams through structured support for farmers, women and youth groups. ACReSAL intends to strengthen Community Interest Groups (CIGs), streamline their proposals and link them to funding windows under the Community Revolving Fund (CRF).
The goal, according to Agene, is to reduce dependence on subsistence farming by enabling residents to scale up agricultural enterprises and small businesses.Beyond livelihood financing, the project is prioritizing urgent infrastructure to mitigate flood risks. Technical assessments have identified drainage deficiencies as a major concern, with ACReSAL pledging to guide the community on immediate steps to improve water channels and prevent destruction during the next rainy season.“We are not just here to make promises; we are here to support structured implementation. The drainage issues and other vulnerabilities we have seen require coordinated action before the rains begin,” Agene said.
The intervention blueprint also includes solar-powered boreholes to expand access to clean water, solar street lighting to enhance security and productivity, and improved waste management systems to safeguard public health.These investments, ACReSAL officials said, are designed to reduce environmental degradation while improving living standards.FCT ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Caroline Opara, explained that the plan is built on direct consultations with over 30 community groups to ensure that interventions reflect actual needs.
She added that inclusiveness, transparency and women’s participation are central to the project’s delivery model.“Our approach is community-driven. We are organizing residents into functional groups, ensuring they work collaboratively and develop viable proposals that can attract sustained support,” Opara said.ACReSAL also intends to work closely with traditional institutions and local authorities to guarantee ownership and sustainability. By embedding accountability mechanisms within community structures, the project aims to ensure that facilities and funds are properly managed long after initial implementation.The Mandate Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, FCTA, Abdullahi Suleiman Ango, represented by Ann Ijeoma, said the impact of ACReSAL interventions was already being felt at the grassroots.
He highlighted the Community Revolving Fund (CRF) as a key instrument empowering local agricultural enterprises, alongside infrastructure projects such as waste management facilities, solar street lighting, and solar-powered boreholes, all aimed at improving rural living standards.Ango also appreciated the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) for its technical guidance, urging Jiwa residents to take ownership of the projects to ensure sustainability.“I urge the people of Jiwa Chiefdom to cooperate with the FCT ACReSAL Project Team, take full ownership of the investments, and protect them for present and future benefits,” he said.In his remarks, the Emir of Jiwa and Paramount Ruler of Jiwa Kingdom, Idris Musa, expressed appreciation to ACReSAL for selecting his community.“I thank you for considering my community.
I have heard your commitments and look forward to the implementation of these projects,” he said.The ACReSAL initiative is expected to drive sustainable development in Jiwa through climate-resilient agriculture, infrastructure support, and diversified livelihood opportunities.For Jiwa, the intervention represents more than isolated projects. It signals a coordinated push to combine climate adaptation with poverty alleviation — protecting homes from floods while equipping residents with the tools to build resilient, income-generating ventures.If fully implemented, ACReSAL’s plan could reposition Jiwa as a model for integrated rural development in the FCT, demonstrating how environmental restoration and economic empowerment can advance together.
