The Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes, ACReSAL, Project has entered into a partnership with Light Microfinance Bank to manage and disburse Community Revolving Funds, CRF, to beneficiary communities in Plateau State.

Under the arrangement ,Light Microfinance Bank will serve as the financial intermediary for the CRF benefiting communities .The bank will be responsible for loan appraisal, disbursement, recovery, and financial literacy for community groups.

While welcoming the Microfinance Bank team, the Plateau State ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Garba Gowon Gonkol, said the CRF is a key component of ACReSAL designed to support communities to recover degraded landscapes while improving incomes.

> “This partnership with Light Microfinance Bank will ensure that our Community Revolving Funds are managed transparently and reach the right people. Beneficiaries will access credit to invest in climate-smart agriculture, agro-processing, and other green businesses,” he said.

The Managing Director of Light Microfinance Bank , Mr Alex ,noted that the bank has experience working with rural communities and women’s groups. He added that the bank will establish CRF desks in target LGAs and will educate community associations on bookkeeping, savings, and loan repayment.

> “Our role is to make sure the funds revolve. As beneficiaries repay, other members can also access the loans. This creates a sustainable cycle of support,” he said. ACReSAL project committee on CRF welcomed the partnership, saying recovery has been a major challenge for rural farmers.

The CRF initiative will run alongside ACReSAL’s climate-smart agriculture, and livelihood support activities in the state.