According to a United Nations report in 2022, human activities are damaging and degrading the lands of the Earth in almost an unsustainable fashion. A large percentage of land has already been devalued, mainly through modern agricultural activities.
Northern Nigeria’s arid climate and depleted environment would almost be primed for disaster, but for the intervention of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), a World Bank funded project that began in 2022, in the nineteen northern states of Nigeria, including the FCT, has led to increase in the implementation of sustainable landscape management practices and projects.
In the FCT, Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, several interventions by ACReSAL that began in 2024 are already benefiting residents in communities, one of which is Sheda, known for cassava processing in Kwali Area Council.
Built by ACReSAL, the cassava processing centre has transformed the lives of beneficiaries, impacting their businesses and family life.
Priscilla Abraham, a 47 year old cassava processor, and an indigene of Kaduna State, but residing in Sheda community, said there was no peace in her home, as a result of lack of feeding, prior to ACReSAL’s intervention.
“Years back, men and women suffered, feeding and paying of school fees was a problem to the extent there was no peace in families. This made women to be vulnerable.
“When we started this business, a lot of women and even children came out to hustle for themselves, through cassava processing which is turned into Akpu. However, the business wasn’t flowing well, until ACReSAL came and intervened with the Community Revolving Fund (CRF). This has led to the growth of our businesses.
“Now, many women have been established in their business, feed and enjoy peace in their homes. They are happy that they no longer depend on their husbands”, she said.
“I have gained a lot and will advice other women to join hands and help those coming up in their businesses. When the intervention was not here, I struggled to earn ten thousand naira in two days but, as at now, I make 80,000 naira daily.
“Though, we heard that plans are been made by ACReSAL to bring processing machines for us to make our jobs easier and be able to make more inputs, we thank ACRESAL for their good works in our community”, she added.
40 year old Grace Enoch, the Secretary of the processing centre said “before the borehole intervention by ACReSAL, this business was all about water. We had to force our children to go and fetch water from the stream, neglecting their studies, but with the intervention, things have changed and businesses have improved”
Medina Nzebuike, 48, an indigene of Imo State but, for years, has resided in Sheda, admitted that the provision of solar powered boreholes and shade has improved their business.
“One of the challenges we’ve been having is water problem and shade. Also, lack of good drainage system. Previously, we were not able to wash cassava everyday because, the floor was not cemented. It makes it hard for water to dry off and at times it takes almost three days for us to come back and wash. It makes the environment dirty and gives us leg problem. But, now, it is cemented, making the place neat.
“Also, this has made it possible to wash and soak our cassava twice a day, giving us increased profits and more customers. This has really helped us. The quality of cassava processed today is far better than what was obtainable previously.
“We were few women engaged in this cassava processing business but, since ACReSAL came with these interventions, more women have come to join us in the business, including workers that stay everyday. The reception has been great with these interventions.
“We were approximately 50 in number engaged in this business. However, with the coming of ACReSAL’s interventions, the number of women has exceeded 100. Furthermore, we have more than 200 persons that work here everyday.
“Things were not easy prior to the interventions because, we hardly make much money but, since ACReSAL came in, I can feed well together with my children. Previously, I earn between 10,000 to 15,000 naira weekly, but, today, I make income of 150, 000 naira daily. Now, I can purchase a bag of rice for my family, something that was very difficult for me to do previously. I I have people that work under me for payment”, the treasurer of the processing centre said.
Eighteen year old Jennifer Mathew said the processing center influenced the growth of her business, impacting others too. She revealed that prior to the intervention by ACReSAL, not much profits were made in their businesses, as a result of poor quality of their cassava products. However, with the intervention, things have improved dramatically.
“This processing centre made my business to grow well and be successful, including others working here. As at then, we were not having much gain (profits) and the quality of the cassava was poor. But, since the intervention we are able to peel and sell well, making good profits. Previously, a rubber was sold for ₦150 but, today, we sell for ₦200. Thank you ACReSAL”, she concluded with a smile.