On February 13, 2025, the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project marked a significant milestone by launching a stakeholder engagement initiative to develop Strategic Catchment Management Plans (SCMPs) in Sokoto-Zamfara, Rima, and Golbin-Ka. The event, held at the Army Officers Mess and Suits in Sokoto on February 10, 2025, brought together government officials and community leaders dedicated to shaping a sustainable future for these critical regions.
According to Abdulhamid Umar, ACReSAL’s National Project Coordinator, the success of these management plans hinges on robust stakeholder input. “Your contributions are essential to developing bankable, sustainable investments at the community level,” Umar emphasized. The SCMPs are designed to identify key intervention areas, assess available resources, and tackle challenges ranging from environmental threats to land degradation, ultimately providing a strategic framework for managing catchments that benefit local communities.
The ACReSAL project aims to develop 20 SCMPs across 19 implementing states and the Federal Capital Territory in northern Nigeria. With six plans already completed—including those for Wase-Taraba, Shemankar-Katsina-Ala, and Hadejia-Jama’are—the project is also set to roll out 200 micro catchment management plans. These micro plans will address smaller catchment areas, complementing the larger strategic plans and ensuring a holistic approach to environmental management.
Sustainable catchment management is not only about environmental conservation but also about improving livelihoods. Umar highlighted that effective catchment management can conserve water resources, reduce land degradation, and mitigate the impacts of climate change—all of which are essential for the long-term resilience of northern Nigerian communities.
In his keynote address, Hon. Nura Shehu, Commissioner for Environment in Sokoto State and Chairman of the State Steering Committee for ACReSAL, stressed the importance of stakeholder engagement. He noted that a shared vision—crafted through active participation—can lead to catchment management plans that promote peace, address local challenges, and harness opportunities for development. The Commissioner also expressed gratitude for the support provided by the World Bank and the Federal Government of Nigeria, recognizing their critical roles in advancing the project.
World Bank Representative Andrew Seglah echoed these sentiments, highlighting the institution’s commitment to sustainable catchment management. “We are honored to support this initiative,” Seglah stated, noting that the World Bank recognizes the potential of these plans to address environmental challenges, enhance livelihoods, and build resilience against climate change.
The development of these strategic catchment management plans is set to drive significant progress toward ACReSAL’s objectives. By integrating diverse stakeholder perspectives, the project is poised to foster sustainable development and environmental resilience, ensuring that the benefits of these efforts are felt by communities for generations to come.
