Yobe, FAO-UN Unveil Innovative Floodwater Harvesting Project

DAMATURU – In a bid to address the perennial challenges of flooding and its devastating impact on food security, the Yobe State Government has partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO-UN) to launch a groundbreaking pilot project on floodwater harvesting for dry-season farming.

The initiative, aimed at mitigating the effects of recurrent flooding, which has displaced households, destroyed farmlands, and exacerbated food insecurity in the state between 2022 and 2024, was unveiled at an inception meeting held on February 24, 2025.

Led by Dr. Goje Mohammed and Al Hassan Cisse of the FAO-UN team, the meeting discussed the project’s objectives, which include harnessing floodwater for sustainable agricultural use, with initial sites proposed in Nangere and Jakusko (Gasma).

This innovative project is expected to provide alternative livelihoods for affected communities, fostering resilience and long-term food security. By exploring proactive measures such as early dissemination of NIMET weather predictions, community sensitization, and innovative floodwater management strategies, the state government and FAO-UN aim to move beyond emergency relief and build a more sustainable future for Yobe State.