Posted by USAID’s Feed the Future Water for Agriculture activity has improved water access for over 55,000 farmers and herders in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states, leading to the adoption of improved agricultural production practices by over 1,600 farmers.
USAID released a statement on the underlying causes of conflict between herders and farmers in the Northeast on Tuesday.
In a statement, Catholic Relief Services and its partners say their four-year Water for Agriculture initiative (2019-2023) has contributed to easing tensions between the two communities. Water for Agriculture built and repaired 21 water infrastructures across the three states. These included dams, irrigation systems, boreholes, and water retention ponds.
“USAID recognizes the importance of water access for consumption and agricultural use,” Michelle Corzine, Director of Economic Growth and Environment at USAID/Nigeria, stated at the closing event. Improved water access for smallholder farmers and livestock herders, as well as better water resource management, are the results of our Water for Agriculture initiative.
Usman Tella Mustapha, head of the Water Users Association in Zobi 2 community, Borno State, praised the advantages of the Feed the Future Water for Agriculture activity, saying, “We went great distances to obtain water, and our cattle suffered during dry seasons. A new dam was built to increase the water level, allowing the boreholes to begin extracting water. Having easy access to clean water has improved our community’s efficiency, health, and quality of life.
Sustainable growth and economic prosperity depend critically on agriculture and water. But agriculture and water supply suffer as a result of climate change. Nearly 60 million people worldwide now have access to clean water since 2008 because to the United States Government’s efforts through the United States Agency for International Development.