Gombe female farmers call for increased government agricultural budget allocation

Female farmers in Gombe State, under the umbrella of the Smallholders Women Farmers Organisation in Nigeria, SWOFON, have called on the state government to increase the allocation to agriculture in line with the Malabo and Maputo declarations.

The appeal was made during a consultative meeting on the 2025 agricultural budget held on Tuesday, organised in collaboration with Hope Foundation for the Lonely and supported by ActionAid Nigeria.

SWOFON’s spokesperson, Airudia Mamman, read a communiqué urging the Gombe State Government to allocate 10 per cent of its annual budget to the agricultural sector, as recommended by the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme, CAADP, framework.

The declaration states that a minimum of 10 per cent investment to support a 6 percent growth rate in the sector, critical for food security and poverty reduction.

“There is an observed instability in the trend of agricultural budget allocation, which does not reflect a clear commitment to the sector,” Mamman said, stressing the need for Gombe to scale up public investment in agriculture.

“This instability undermines the importance of agriculture in driving the economy and creating jobs,” she added.

The organisation also called for the timely release of budgeted funds to ensure the successful implementation of agricultural projects and reduce delays in achieving food production goals.

The communiqué also pointed out the need for capital project locations to be clearly stated in the budget for better monitoring and accountability.

SWOFON urged the government to provide organic fertilisers instead of chemical ones, citing environmental and health concerns.

The group also requested that special provisions be made for women and youth in agriculture, including creating budget lines for credits and loans to boost productivity and self-employment.

The Gombe State Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Dr. Barnabas Malle, represented by Bulus Jonathan, assured the farmers that the ministry was working to provide subsidies on farm implements and access to affordable services.

He noted that mini tractors and power trailers were available for hire at subsidised rates to assist women in farming.

Sarah Yapwa, CEO of Hope Foundation for the Lonely, stated the need for increased funding, adding that such investment would ensure food security in the state.

“Hunger is a weapon of mass destruction,” Yapwa remarked, calling for immediate action to alleviate food insecurity

Gombe female farmers call for increased government agricultural budget allocation