55,000 farmers benefit from USAID water project

The Initiative tagged “The Feed the Future Water for Agriculture activity”, supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has increased access to water for almost 55,000 farmers and herders in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe States.

This has resulted in over 1,600 farmers adopting improved agriculture production practices a statement by the US Embassy in Abuja said on Tuesday.

It said access to water and scarce water facilities have contributed to conflict between herders and farmers in the Northeast.

It explained that the four-year Water for Agriculture activity, which commenced in 2019 and was implemented by Catholic Relief Services and partners to reduce tensions between the two communities.

According to the statement, across the three states, Water for Agriculture constructed and rehabilitated 21 water facilities, including dams, irrigation schemes, boreholes, and water retention ponds.

Speaking at the closeout event, USAID and Nigeria’s Director of Economic Growth and Environment Michelle Corzine said, the agency recognizes the importance of water access for consumption and agricultural use.

Speaking on the benefits of the Feed the Future Water for Agriculture activity, Chairman of the Water Users Association in Zobi 2 Community, Borno State Usman Tella Mustapha said, they walked long distances to fetch water and their livestock suffered during dry seasons.

Since 2008, the United States Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, has globally enabled nearly 60 million people to access safe drinking water and 45 million people to access sanitation.