By Hajara Usman
Participants at the ongoing ACReSAL third-party assessment training exercise in Gombe State have been urged to prioritise accurate, fair and honest feedback collection as a key driver of the project’s sustainability and future funding opportunities.
Dr Sani Jauro, Gombe State ACReSAL Coordinator, made the call at the training venue, which drew participants from the 19 northern states.
The Coordinator emphasised that the success of the exercise largely depends on how effectively participants engage with local communities and document their experiences.
He noted that the assessment goes beyond routine evaluation, describing it as a critical opportunity to capture the real-life impact of the project at the grassroots level.
According to him, direct interaction with beneficiaries remains central to achieving credible results.
“Our mission is to engage directly with communities, interact with beneficiaries, and ask the necessary questions. The feedback we gather must be objective and truly reflect realities on the ground,” he said.
Dr Jauro explained that the exercise is being conducted in line with the World Bank framework, which requires independent and evidence-based evaluation of project performance.
He added that such credibility is essential for attracting additional financing.
He further urged participants to pay close attention to the guidance provided by field specialists and to maintain professionalism throughout the process.
Tools such as focus group discussions and on-site engagements, he said, are crucial for obtaining reliable and inclusive feedback.
According to him, the participation of experts, including representatives from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, is expected to enhance the quality of the exercise and ensure adherence to global best practices.
Dr Jauro stressed that the integrity of the feedback collected will directly influence how the ACReSAL project in Gombe is perceived by donors and stakeholders.
He warned that biased or incomplete data could undermine the progress achieved over the past three years.
“As we approach the project’s expected completion in 2028, this is a defining moment for reflection and planning. The quality of feedback we generate now will shape future decisions and sustainability,” he stated.
He also urged participants to remain culturally sensitive during community engagements, noting that trust and respect are vital in eliciting genuine responses from beneficiaries.
Declaring the training open, Alhaji Muhammadu Fawu, Commissioner for Water, Environment and Forest Resources, said the third-party assessment is designed to measure how well the project aligns with the needs of beneficiaries, state priorities, and the policies of development partners.
He noted that it provides an opportunity for in-depth reflection on strategies and implementation.
The Commissioner stressed that the training of enumerators is crucial, as their findings will shape the future direction of the project and determine continued funding.
He urged participants to pay close attention to the resource persons and to carry out their field assignments with diligence, integrity and professionalism.
“This exercise will help us understand where we are coming from and where we are going. The credibility of the process depends largely on your commitment,” he noted.
Fawu assured participants of a conducive, safe and secure environment throughout their stay, while wishing them a successful training and productive field engagement.
He further called on enumerators to ensure accurate data collection from beneficiaries, stressing that reliable information is essential for sustaining the gains of the project and improving livelihoods across the region.
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