AfDB’s $50 Million Grant Bolsters Climate Resilience and Food Security in Yobe State
Key Takeaways
- AfDB approves $50 million grant to enhance climate resilience and food security in Yobe State.
- Project aims to benefit over 3.5 million individuals by addressing climate risks and promoting agricultural resilience.
- Yobe State Government and beneficiaries contribute additional funds, totaling project funding to $101.34 million.
In a significant move to combat climate change and bolster food security, the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has earmarked a substantial $50 million grant to fortify the Yobe State Environmental and Climate Change Action Project (ECCAP) in northeastern Nigeria.
This initiative, unveiled by the bank on Tuesday, aims to benefit over 3.5 million people in the region by tackling climate risks head-on and enhancing agricultural resilience.
The ECCAP, with a total funding of around $101.34 million, comprises a $50 million contribution from AfDB and an additional $30 million co-financing from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA).
Moreover, the Yobe State Government has pledged $4.52 million in counterpart funding, with beneficiaries chipping in another $16.82 million.
Yobe State, grappling with prolonged communal conflicts and insurgency, faces compounded environmental and economic hardships.
With a staggering 72% of its populace living below the poverty line, the state is particularly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change, making the ECCAP project imperative for sustainable development.
The ECCAP initiative is designed to mitigate the effects of droughts and desertification while also empowering women and fostering the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs).
Key components of the project include the provision of small ruminants and efficient cooking stoves, along with the formulation of Yobe State’s Gender Policy to promote gender equality and women’s participation in economic activities.
AfDB’s commitment to Nigeria spans a diverse portfolio of 50 projects totaling $4.6 billion, aligning closely with the bank’s strategic objectives for sustainable development across Africa.
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of AfDB, commended the ECCAP project for its holistic approach to addressing various pressing issues, including insecurity, vulnerability, food security, and environmental conservation.
He hailed the initiative as a model for fostering resilient and sustainable livelihoods in a coordinated manner, underscoring the bank’s dedication to driving positive change in the region.
The approval of this substantial grant underscores AfDB’s unwavering commitment to supporting initiatives that promote climate resilience and food security, particularly in regions vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
With collaborative efforts and strategic investments, projects like ECCAP have the potential to uplift communities, build resilience, and pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.
