EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES THROUGH THE COMMUNITY REVOLVING FUND (CRF)

As part of our commitment to foster sustainable, community-led solutions to economic challenges and to build resilient livelihoods, CLHEI have successfully implemented key sensitization and training activities under the Community Revolving Fund (CRF) of the ACReSAL PROJECT across 20 target communities in Benue State, Nigeria.

The CRF initiative is designed to provide interest-free financial support to community groups particularly women, youth, and vulnerable households to carryout climate smart rain-fed agricultural practices, strengthen local agro-value chain enterprises, support income-generating activities, and promote financial inclusion.

The CRF is supporting community/ farmer groups to undertake climate smart agriculture related activities. Each target village/community could be eligible for a CRF of $25,000. This will allow easy and sustainable financing to ACRESAL supported and registered community/farmer group at community level.

Key Activities Implemented:

🔹 Group Formation and Capacity Building

CLHEI facilitated the formation and registration of community-based groups and cooperatives. Each group received tailored training on savings culture, financial literacy, loan management & accountability systems, Climate-smart agriculture, environmental safeguards and emplaced Gender-based violence and grievance redress mechanisms.

🔹 Selection of Community-Based-Agents

The selection of CBAs was conducted through a transparent, participatory process involving community leaders, group representatives, and project stakeholders. As part of efforts to strengthen the sustainability and community ownership of the Community Revolving Fund (CRF) initiative, the Community Business Agents (CBAs) were selected and trained to serve as grassroots facilitators, supporting the effective management and utilization of the revolving fund at the community level.

🔹 Promoting Group Solidarity and Ownership
Under the Community Revolving Fund (CRF) initiative, a Board of Trustees (BoT) was constituted at the community level to provide oversight, promote transparency, and ensure accountability in the management of the fund. The BoT is composed of respected community members—including women, youth, and traditional leaders—selected through a participatory process based on integrity, neutrality, and proven leadership. Their core mandate includes monitoring the utilization and repayment of CRF loans, ensuring fair access to funds, and managing grievances or disputes that may arise among beneficiaries or groups. By serving as a community-led governance structure, the BoT plays a critical role in safeguarding the credibility and sustainability of the revolving fund system.

Impact So Far:

• Over 462 Cooperatives reached across 20 communities.
• Over 268 cooperatives screened & graded to benefit from the CRF Loan.
• Improved access to startup capital for rural women and youth-led businesses.
• Enhanced community participation and financial empowerment.

The success of the Community Revolving Fund model underscores the power of locally driven development. We remain committed to expanding this initiative and deepening its impact one community at a time.