Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has inaugurated a $1 million project aimed at protecting vulnerable farming communities from the effects of recurring floods and drought in the state.
The 12-month intervention, titled Protecting Food Security Against Recurring Floods and Drought, is being implemented by Mercy Corps Nigeria in collaboration with the Katsina State Development Management Board, the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and other development partners.
Speaking at the launch in Katsina, Radda described climate change as a reality that required collective action and practical measures to protect the environment, improve agricultural productivity and strengthen food security.
The governor noted that Katsina is largely agrarian, with a significant proportion of its population depending on agriculture for their livelihoods. He therefore stressed the need to protect farmland and water resources while helping farmers adapt to changing weather conditions.
Radda directed the state Ministry of Environment and the Department of Climate Change to study the intervention and assess the possibility of replicating similar climate-resilience projects across other local government areas.
The project will initially be implemented in Bindawa, Bakori and Kafur Local Government Areas, which were selected based on vulnerability assessments.
According to Mercy Corps Nigeria Programme Manager, Philip Ikita, the intervention will tackle several challenges affecting farming communities, including flooding, drought, soil erosion, poor storage facilities, post-harvest losses and inadequate water management.
The programme will construct soil bunds, contour barriers and drainage systems across 150 selected farms, while degraded land will be restored through vegetation. About 180 workers will also benefit from a cash-for-work programme.
The intervention will further rehabilitate at least 12 solar-powered water systems to support farming and livestock activities, particularly during the dry season.
In addition, 150 food storage facilities will be rehabilitated, while 500 hermetic storage bags will be distributed to households alongside training on improved storage practices.
The project will also provide training on climate-smart agriculture, support livelihood diversification for about 300 women and strengthen community preparedness through hazard mapping and contingency planning.
Radda urged the beneficiary communities and relevant government agencies to cooperate fully with the implementing organisations to ensure the success of the project.
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