Muktar Yahya Usman

The Kano state government has formally inaugurated the $95 million Kano Agro-Pastoral Project in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), saying the initiative will improve the lives of at least 1.2 million people in the state.

KANO FOCUS reports that the 5-year project will be funded by the Islamic Development Bank and the Life and Livelihoods Fund (LLF).

Unveiling the program. Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, said the project will contribute to reduce poverty and strengthen food security in the state, which is the most populous in Nigeria, by developing agro-pastoral production systems.

He added that the project aims to enhance agricultural productivity and competitiveness through access to input and credit, value addition and market access, extension services delivery and capacity building.

It was learnt that the program is an initiative through which the IsDB and other organizations provide concessional financing to member countries.

Speaking at the event the regional manager, Regional Hub of Abuja, Mr Mayoro Niang explained that the project is aligned to the bank President’s five year plan and the Federal government’s Economic Empowerment and Poverty Reduction Strategy.

He said the program is to ensure that the quality of the project is maintained and to guarantee proper orientation on its specifics, under applicable policies and procedures of the bank.

Also in a remark, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, the state deputy governor explained that “the project emphasizes enhancement of agricultural production, productivity and competitiveness of both crop and livestock, with expected reduction in the number of people living below the poverty line in the state”.

“In quantitative terms, it aims to improve the living conditions of over 1, 260, 000 people across the 44 local government areas of Kano state, and that is quite a large number of people,” he said.

Mr Gawuna added that the project also aims to address incessant conflicts between farmers and pastoralists.

“The project will initiate an unprecedented development momentum in Kano. As it unfolds, it will have tremendous positive impact on our environment and will contribute immensely towards improving the management of our natural resources.

“It is a significant component of the project management that will serve as an advisory body, comprising stakeholders. It will review project annual work plans and budget, implementation progress reports and provide guidance on different issues that could affect the project,” he noted.

On his part Mr. Jena Jacques, a Lives and Livelihood Funds representative, said his organization, a partner of the Islamic Development Bank group, is glad to work with the Kano state government to make positive impact on the lives of the poor.

“The fund is delighted to support not only Kano state but also other IsDB member countries to address community health, agriculture and basic infrastructure challenges”, he stated.

He however maintained that, “our concessional financing comes with obligations including abiding all our rules and regulations, accurate procurement plan, clear disbursement plan and having maximum project impact, among others”.