In a dedicated ESF mission to Kebbi State, Mr. Lucky Erhaze and Mr. Elijah Abiodun, members of the World Bank Environmental and Social Standard (ESF) team, embarked on a two-day visit to assess the progress and challenges of ACReSAL’s ongoing projects. Their journey exemplified a proactive approach to ensuring that development initiatives in the state prioritize both environmental sustainability and community well-being.
Day one
The ESF team engaged with the State Project Management Unit (SPMU) to discuss three significant sites: the Badariya Dukku Malala erosion area in Birnin Kebbi, the Rikoto Zuru erosion site and dam in Zuru, and the ambitious 2,1666 hectare canal-based center-pivot system irrigation project in Zagga. The SPMU staff brought maps and detailed site data, offering the team a comprehensive view of each project’s scope, objectives, and potential challenges.
Armed with insights, the team ventured into the field. Their first stop was Zagga town, where they toured the vast area set to become a thriving irrigation hub. Here, the land holds the promise of cultivation powered by gravity-fed canals, a transformation poised to improve agricultural productivity and livelihoods for farmers.
Next, the team visited the Badariya Dukku Malala erosion site in Birnin Kebbi. Standing atop the Dukku hills, they traced the path of the gully from the zero point down through Badariya and WuroNori to the proposed discharge area. Each step underscored the pressing need for erosion control to protect the surrounding communities from further environmental degradation.
Day two
The team visited the erosion site in Rikoto, following the path from Masallacin Izala and Shada Wanka through Bedi Bridge to the Zuru Dam. Their observations extended to the dam’s spillway and its adjacent water treatment plant, both critical to the region’s water management and infrastructure resilience.
The ESF team asked on some anticipated environmental and social risks such as the displacement of vulnerable groups or unintended ecological impacts. The SPMU safeguards team explained the practical mitigation strategies developed emphasizing the importance protecting the environment and the social livelihood of the communities.
The ESF team commended the proactive efforts of the ACReSAL project and Kebbi State SPMU, confident in their capacity to address challenges while adhering to the environmental and social standards. They highlighted the importance of continuous monitoring, emphasizing that the best outcomes arise when development does no harm but instead heals and uplifts.
The mission was more than an assessment; it was a testament to the importance of Kebbi State’s unique sites and their transformative potential. From the vast irrigation fields of Zagga to the erosion-affected landscapes of Badariya and Rikoto, each site tells a story of opportunity and challenge. With careful planning and collaborative effort, these projects demonstrate how development can restore the land, protect communities, and create a future where resilience and prosperity thrive.
ACReSAL… Greening the Environment, Saving Lives
