ADB approves US $11.6 million for rural development

The African Development Bank (ADB) has approved a loan of about US $11.6 million for a project to reduce rural poverty in Biltine Department, eastern Chad. The project aims to increase farmers' incomes, improve access to health by 20 percent and raise access to education by 10 percent within six years, the Bank said in a news release on Wednesday. "More specifically, the project seeks to improve rural household incomes by at least 20 percent and strengthen basic services," the ADB said. "It will also contribute to the development of natural resources and environmental protection." Other areas to be addressed include the protection of watersheds, the development of irrigation schemes, the improvement of pastures and the establishment of agro-forestry plantations. The project also seeks to improve agricultural production through new production techniques. "The project will ensure village groups sensitisation and organisation and provide rural credit (...), help to build and equip schools, health centres and communal markets, train technical health workers and traditional birth [attendants] and rehabilitate rural roads," the release added. According to the bank, its total cost is estimated at US $15.5 million.