Farming communities in Plateau State are experiencing a resurgence of hope and support as the Farmer Cares Program, under the Plateau COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (PL-CARES), has initiated the construction of access roads in rural areas across the state’s 17 local government areas.

On Friday, June 14th, the monitoring team from the State Cares Coordinating Unit of the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Program visited several project sites in the Northern Zone of Plateau State. The team inspected the progress of access road construction in communities such as Farin Number-Gurum Road in Bassa LGA, Kudedu Road in Jos East LGA, and Nding Sesut in Barkin Ladi LGA. Expressing satisfaction with the work done so far, the team emphasized the project’s importance in revitalizing the local economy.

Dr. Haggai Gutap, Technical Head of NG-CARES in Plateau State

Leading the monitoring team, Dr. Haggai Gutap, Technical Head of NG-CARES in Plateau State, highlighted that the project covers 35 roads across the state’s 17 local government areas. “This initiative responds to the economic devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. We aim to mitigate the lingering effects by creating employment, improving access roads to farmlands, and enabling farmers to expand their production beyond subsistence levels,” said Dr. Gutap.

He commended the government’s proactive approach and noted the state’s significant progress under Governor Caleb Mutfwang. “Our goal is to transform Plateau into a leading state in agricultural production. The World Bank’s support through a $750 million fund for all states, including the FCT, has enabled us to pursue these ambitious projects,” Dr. Gutap added.

The project engineer, Engr. Easter Agoh, explained that the initiative focuses on creating simple, durable laterite roads to ensure farmers can transport their produce efficiently. “We are rehabilitating over 30 roads across the state, ensuring that every community benefits from improved access to markets and farms,” said Engr. Agoh.

Gideon Damdam, the state overseer of the Farmer Cares Program, noted the importance of these interventions. “Fadama Cares has the privilege of supporting farmers in several areas. We identify intervention areas from the communities and aim to relieve them from the difficulties posed by bad roads. Our goal is to help farmers transport their produce efficiently,” Dandam said. He added that Fadama has a longstanding commitment to improving farmers’ lives through crop production, livestock processing, and asset acquisition.

Community leaders and residents have expressed their gratitude for the initiative. HRH Ogomo Aima Gurum, Mr. Danladi Akinga Kasuwa, welcomed the monitoring team at the Farin Number-Gurum Road project site, praising the government’s efforts. “Since the colonial era, nothing substantial has been done for this community until now. Governor Mutfwang’s administration has brought us new hope,” he said.

Abel Pam Cholom, a resident of Nding Sesut in Barkin Ladi LGA, echoed this sentiment. “Access to roads transforms communities, making them safer and more connected. We are grateful for this intervention and hope for continued government support in the future,” Cholom said.

The PL-CARES program’s focus on rural infrastructure aims to reduce unemployment, enhance food security, and improve the overall quality of life for Plateau State’s farming communities. With ongoing projects and future interventions, the state is poised for significant economic growth and development.