In a move aimed at improving access to water and strengthening rural livelihoods, the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes Project (ACReSAL) has handed over solar-powered boreholes to some communities in Plateau State, providing a much-needed boost for irrigation, domestic use, and animal consumption.
For many residents in the benefiting communities, the intervention is more than just the installation of water facilities — it is a lifeline. In areas where water scarcity often affects farming, household needs, and livestock rearing, the solar-powered boreholes are expected to ease hardship and support year-round economic activity.
The project, which is part of broader efforts to build resilience against climate change and land degradation, has continued to implement community-based interventions across the state. With Plateau State’s agricultural communities increasingly facing the effects of erratic rainfall and dry spells, access to reliable water sources has become critical.
At the handover ceremony, ACReSAL project coordinator represented by the project engineer, Stephen Machack explained that the solar-powered boreholes were deliberately designed to serve multiple purposes. Beyond providing water for household consumption, the facilities will also support irrigation for dry-season farming and ensure that livestock owners have access to water for their animals.
“This intervention is targeted at improving the quality of life of people in the communities while also supporting agriculture, which remains the backbone of rural livelihoods,” the project engineer said. “By using solar energy, the system becomes cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and sustainable for long-term use.”
The choice of solar technology according to the ACReSAL project engineer Stephen Ezekiel Machack is particularly significant, Unlike diesel-powered water systems, solar-powered boreholes reduce operational costs and minimize carbon emissions. This makes the facilities easier to maintain and more reliable, especially in areas with limited infrastructure and high fuel costs.
Beneficiaries in the communities welcomed the development with excitement and appreciation. Farmers said the boreholes would enable them to expand dry-season farming, improve crop yields, and reduce dependence on unpredictable rainfall. Livestock owners also noted that the availability of water for animals would help reduce losses and improve productivity.
A community elder in one of the benefiting villages Mr Musa Yakubu described the project as “timely and life-changing,” adding that it would help families who previously had to travel long distances in search of water. Another resident, Ladi Nyam said the intervention would ease the burden on women and children, who often spend hours fetching water from distant sources.
Beyond the immediate benefits, the project is expected to contribute to food security and economic growth in the area. By making water available for irrigation, ACReSAL is helping farmers cultivate vegetables and other crops during the dry season, creating opportunities for income generation and improved household nutrition.
Appreciating the ACReSAL project, the Mai Angwa of Kunyi Katseh of Gwafan in Jos North Local government area of plateau state,Mr Ubandoma Ajiji used the occasion to thank the project implementers and appealed for continued support to more communities in Plateau State, promising to protect the facilities from vandalism and ensure that community members use them responsibly for the common good.
In Plateau State, where agriculture remains a major source of livelihood, access to water infrastructure can significantly influence productivity and community well-being.
The handover of the solar-powered boreholes underscores ACReSAL’s commitment to practical, community-driven solutions that address environmental challenges while improving living standards.
The benefiting communities include Kunyi Katseh Gwafan, Jos zoo and museum and Maza .
