CRS, partners launch D33M c𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 smart FACE 𝗜𝗜 p𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 in CRR

Funded by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints - Africa West Area, the total envelope of the project stands at US$429,800 which is equivalent to D33,075,000 targeting 2,900 households in Central River Region North.

However, the project launch witnessed some 400 households receiving essential food supplies at the launch and over the coming days, providing immediate support while laying the foundation for longer-term, sustainable livelihoods.

The FACE 11 project, which integrates input provision, capacity building and market engagement to drive impact, is valued at $429,800, to be implemented across key district in CRR/north.

Building on previous successes, FACE II scales up climate-smart interventions such as poultry production, vegetable gardening, and Savings and Internal Lending Communities (SILC). Through these efforts, the project promotes income generation, environmental restoration, and community empowerment paving the way for self-reliant, resilient, and sustainable communities aligned with national development priorities.

At the event, Musa Saho of AVISU, acknowledged that by promoting food security alongside climate interventions, they are equipping communities with the tools to protect the environment, and drive an exclusive economic growth.

“Today's project launch is not only a celebration of a new beginning, but also a declaration of our long-term standing partnership with CRS. Our collaboration was back in 2008 and has grown steadily, grounded in shared value of service, dignity, and community empowerment. Over the years, we have jointly implemented several impactful developments also.”

Dr Amulai Touray, Country manager of Catholic Relief Services, recalled that based on the community's request and demand they were tasked with a few months ago, today they stand ready to deliver and implement that promise together with AVISU.

On behalf of CRS, he thanked and appreciated the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the NDMA and all stakeholders.

“The partnership reflects a strong commitment to serving humanity beyond religion or social boundaries,” he said.

The project, he added, is valued at $429,800 and that the event also reflects their shared commitment to building a resilient, secure and economically empowered community.

“Across this region, families continue to face challenges in the climate and energy related with limited resources.”

The project, he added, would support climate-smart agriculture through the services of 10 community gardens, including access to solar power, access to water, while also promoting livelihoods support helping vulnerable households, majority of which will be women-headed households, households and the elderly.

Alfusainey Jallow, deputizing for the regional Director of Agriculture in CRR, reminded that agriculture continues to be a key pillar of national development, supporting livelihoods, employment, and food supply for our population.

However, he observed that the sector is increasingly affected by climate-related challenges, such as unpredictable rainfall, drought, floods, and declining productivity.

These projects, he went on, came at a critical time, highlighting the need to transform these challenges to climate-smart agriculture, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable food production.

Lamin Jadama, deputy executive director of NDMA, lauded the project for its target scope, which is the vulnerable communities, saying the project is not merely about building the adaptive capacity of households and communities, but also about enabling them improve their livelihoods through various initiatives.

“This project seeks to support vulnerable households, improved security, promoting climate smart agriculture and sustainable goods, continuing community-based savings and financial systems and of course enhancing resilience in shops and access,” he said.

Gidda Khan deputising the Governor of CRR, commended CRS and the implementing partners for their commitment to building an empowered communities.

The initiative, he added, reflects a shared vision of improving the welfare of “our communities and addressing the challenges that continue to affect their livelihoods”.

“As we are all aware, our region is faced with increasing challenges related to climate variability, food insecurity and limited economic opportunity. These issues have a direct impact on household residents and the wellbeing of our people,” he stated.

The launch witnessed presentations of bags of rice, onions and 10 litres of oil to selected participants at the event, as officials prepare to expand supply of more foods in the coming days to more communities in CRR- North.