By Khalid Idris Doya
The Bauchi State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project on Saturday distributed 40 tractors and nine heavy-duty machines to Bauchi State government agencies, alongside 100 motorcycles to performers officers to strengthen mechanised farming across the state.
The distribution was announced during the Bauchi ACReSAL Stakeholders' Engagement held at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Bauchi.
Speaking at the event, the State Project Coordinator, Dr. Ibrahim Kabir, recalled that in 2024, Governor Bala Mohammed piloted the distribution of 20 tractors, one to each of the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.
According to him, the governor directed the monitoring and evaluation team to collaborate with local governments to ensure that smallholder farmers transition from manual to mechanised farming.
Kabir emphasised accountability and sustainability, stressing that the tractors must serve as revenue-generating assets rather than remain idle. "During the 2025 rainy season alone, we generated N36,785,000 from the utilisation of these tractors," he disclosed.
He added that based on performance assessment across the 20 LGAs, the success of the initiative justified its expansion. "With the increase to three tractors per LGA, we can generate over N150 million in 2026," he said.
The project, he noted, aims to reach over 2.6 million smallholder farmers across the state and fully integrate them into mechanized agriculture.
Dr. Kabir further stated that Bauchi currently ranks among the leading states in agricultural project implementation nationwide.
In partnership with Soil Values and under the leadership of the National Project Coordinator, Alhaji Abdulhamid Umar, over 100 Agricultural Extension Workers were trained. From this group, the top 20 performers were selected to benefit from the 20 motorcycles being distributed.
He added that 20 Forestry Officers across the Local Government Areas are also among the beneficiaries, in view of growing concerns over forestry conservation and their commitment to environmental sustainability, saying that the motorcycles will enhance their mobility and enable them to effectively carry out their duties.
He also said 20 Directors of Agriculture from the LGAs are beneficiaries, "In line with the Project Implementation Manual, the Directors serve as Desk Officers and play key supervisory roles in project implementation. Their inclusion recognises their dedication and oversight responsibilities."
Other motorcycle beneficiaries under the ACReSAL Project include Water Resources Officers from the Ministry of Water Resources (Zonal Offices), officials of the State Environmental Protection Agency, and staff of Sumu Wildlife Park, Lame-Burra Game Reserve, and Yankari Game Reserve.
He said the motorcycles are expected to improve field monitoring, extension services, and environmental management activities.
He further disclosed that the project procured brand-new heavy equipment, including a bulldozer, excavator, backhoe loader, wheel loader, and four tipper trucks, bringing the total to nine heavy-duty machines.
He explained that two tipper trucks have been allocated to the Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency (BASEPA), while two tipper trucks and one backhoe loader were assigned to the Bauchi State Infrastructure Development and Maintenance Agency (BASIDMA).
The wheel loader was allocated to state Urban Planning for Development Control, while the excavator, bulldozer, and transport lorry were assigned to the newly established RARA to support reservoir construction and ongoing infrastructure development.
He noted that several community-based projects have already been executed across the state under the ACReSAL initiative.
The state Governor Bala Mohammed commended ACReSAL for its commitment to addressing land degradation and climate change in Bauchi State.
He reaffirmed that the project has come to stay. "We are committed to providing water along cattle routes and ensuring sustainable access to water for our people," the governor stated.
He emphasised that ACReSAL empowers women, improves community infrastructure, and enhances economic opportunities across the state.
The governor assured stakeholders of the long-term sustainability of land and water management initiatives, expressing confidence that Bauchi is ready for accelerated development.
Also speaking, the National Project Coordinator, Alhaji Abdulhamid Umar, praised Governor Bala Mohammed for his continued support. He explained that ACReSAL focuses on sustainable landscape management in targeted northern watersheds while strengthening Nigeria's climate-resilient development framework.
The project promotes large-scale tree planting, shelterbelts, and agroforestry initiatives to combat desertification and restore degraded land.
For his part, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Housing and Environment, Hon. Dallami Ahmed Kawule, described ACReSAL as a World Bank-financed project designed to tackle land degradation and climate change, while addressing environmental challenges arising from poor land-use practices.
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