Taraba ACReSAL Holds Training on Grievance Redress and GBV in Jalingo
By Hilary John
The Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project has organized a two-day workshop in Jalingo, Taraba State, focusing on Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM), Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the use of the GRM App, and community sensitization.
Participants were drawn from all 16 local government areas, including community leaders, women leaders, and youth representatives.
The workshop was supported by the World Bank, the Federal Government, and the Taraba State Government through the ministries of Environment, Agriculture, and Water Resources.
Welcoming participants on behalf of the Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas and the Commissioners of the three ministries, State Project Coordinator, Dr. Clement Yakubu Giwa said the training was long overdue and crucial to the implementation of ACReSAL’s Resettlement Action Plan.
Dr Clement Yakubu Giwa
“This training will equip participants to address grievances, especially those linked to resettlement and gender-based violence. Without a proper redress system, ACReSAL cannot fulfill its mandate,” Dr. Giwa noted.
He added that the sessions would sharpen participants’ skills in data collection, accountability, and communication with project headquarters, urging them to take the programme seriously.
The Resource person and GRM consultant, Dr. Mary Bishop, explained that the training was designed to prepare GRM officers, committee members, and other actors working with ACReSAL.
Dr Mary Bishop
“In any community where development projects are implemented, grievances are inevitable. It is therefore important to train stakeholders on how to identify, manage, and resolve them quickly and effectively,” Dr. Bishop said.
She added that the training also covered GBV, stressing the need to ensure survivors receive timely support and care.
“Our expectation is that grievances will now be resolved promptly, communities will be satisfied with the project, and sustainability will continue even after ACReSAL ends,” she emphasized.
Some participants, including Chief Mustapha Abubakar, Mr. Emmanuel Usman, Zainab Salisu Mohammad, and Mrs. Philomena Yavala, praised the initiative and pledged to apply the lessons in their communities to promote peaceful coexistence.
