“Water for Agriculture” will also improve the capacity of local governments and communities to govern and manage water infrastructure and resources in the region
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has granted a three-year, $8 million Cooperative Agreement to Catholic Relief Services (CRS) to improve the livelihoods of grain and livestock farmers in the conflict-affected states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe by boosting water supply in crisis-affected areas of northeastern Nigeria.
Water for Agriculture will also enhance local governments, community management, manage water infrastructure and resources in the region where smallholder farmers rely on water for their livelihoods, which are increasingly threatened by climate change. Inadequate investment and infrastructure destruction, poor water management and practices. It will contribute to the promotion of agricultural-led economic growth by enhancing resilience and nutrition and enhancing water and sanitation governance. “Water for Agriculture” would reach at least 4,000 smallholder farmers and 50,000 livestock herders by constructing new earth dams and crop production and livestock watering systems, improving water management.
“It is delightful that the implementation of the program will lead to employment generation, increased food production, food security, and enhancement of economic base of the target rural communities.” the Director of Irrigation and Drainage, Ministry of Water Resources, Engr G. Bello said at the event.
“Water for Agriculture will play a critical role in USAID’s strategy to develop new sustainable water sources in rural communities where displaced populations are returning,” USAID Mission Director Stephen M. Haykin said at the launch ceremony. “It will contribute to our promotion of agriculture-led economic growth to improve resilience and nutrition and stronger governance of the water and sanitation sector.”
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CRS will partner with the Nigerian Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations and search for Common Ground, Diamond Development Initiatives, the Pastoral Resolution, the Commissions on Justice, Growth, Peace of Maiduguri and Yola, and relevant government agencies to undertake the operation.
Source Data: U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria