Germany and FAO Combat Flooding in Tone and Adamawa States.

By Ibrahim Abubakar, Yola

 In recent years, Yobe and Adamawa states have faced frequent and devastating floods that severely affected agriculture, particularly in rural communities dependent on rain-fed farming. 

These recurrent floods have led to significant damage to croplands, livestock, homes, and sanitation conditions, especially in areas along the Niger and Benue Rivers, where heavy rainfall and dam releases have caused extensive property damage and loss of life.

 In the light of the 2023 flood forecast by the Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency, which identified high flood risks in many local government areas (LGAs) of Yobe and Adamawa states, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), with financial backing from the Government of Germany, has initiated a project to assist governments in safeguarding vulnerable households and communities. The project aims to enhance resilience and reduce negative coping strategies through a multifaceted approach that includes household targeting, early warning dissemination, Dike construction, gutter cleaning, and the distribution of agricultural inputs and livestock feed.

The core objective is Community Awareness and Preparedness.

Another iobjective is the formation and training of 17 disaster risk reduction committees in 18 communities across Yobe and Adamawa States.

Engagement of 90 community volunteers to disseminate 5,000 flyers and early warning messages, reaching 10,000 households is another objective.

 Other objectives are;

Regular flood preparedness meetings and the creation of WhatsApp groups for continuous information sharing.

Safeguarding Agriculture Production and Livelihoods:

Distribution of agricultural inputs (cowpea seeds, fertilizer, PIC bags) to 3,600 households.

Despite challenges such as flooting in Adamawa, there has been successful distribution of 3,600 bags of fertilizer and 7,200 PIC bags in both states.

Protecting Livestock Livelihoods:

Provision of livestock feeds and fodder to 2,000 households.

Training beneficiaries on proper storage and utilization of these inputs.

Identification of 18 safe grounds for animal relocation in case of flooding and community sensitization on animal safety and disease prevention.

The expected results are;

Direct dissemination of early warning information to 5,600 households and indirectly to 4,400 more.

Construction of Dikes and development of input-for-work modalities in 16 communities.

Distribution of agricultural inputs to 3,600 households and livestock feed to 2,000 households.

On Geographic Focus, the project targets six LGAs: Bade, Karasuwa, and Jakusko in Yobe State; and Fufore, Demsa, and Yola South in Adamawa State. These areas were selected based on the 2023 flood risk forecast, identifying them as highly probable or probable flood risk areas.

Eighteen communities within the selected LGAs will benefit from the project, including:

Fufore LGA: Ribado, Rico, Dasin Hausa

Yola South LGA: Njoboliyo, Rugange, Wauro Jabbe

Demsa LGA: Mbula, Bilachi, Kwayine

Bade LGA: Sugum, Afuno, Bulaburin

Jakusko LGA: Amshi, Dachia, Kattama

Karasuwa LGA: Karasuwa Galu, Wachakal Ngurdi, Gadan Dinya

This collaborative effort aims to build resilience and provide critical support to communities vulnerable to the destructive impact of floods and ensuring the protection of both lives and livelihoods.