Stakeholders in the agricultural sector have called on government at all levels to work harder towards addressing worsening food insecurity in the country, by paying closer attention to small scale women farmers.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that
the call was made in Awka during a two-day Consultative Forum organized by Small Scale Women Farmers Organization in Nigeria, (SWOFON), argued that despite efforts by the federal and state governments, there are many gaps that need to be filled while government must increase and expedite interventions towards addressing security challenges across the country.
In a presentation, Sundayson Chidi of the Centre for Social Justice, (CSJ), in his analysis of Anambra State 2025 Budget proposal, noted that it does not reflect the government commitment towards improving food production.
“In actual amounts, the state budget for agriculture has been increasing, but in terms of percentage, it has been reducing, 2025 allocation being the lowest. Besides, the budget proposal for 2025 is not gender-sensitive”.
Okay Onyeka of the Civil Right Concern, (CRC), affirmed that government at all levels has not really demonstrated the seriousness to ensure food security in the country. “There has not been deliberate synergy between MDAs at all levels,” he noted.
SWOFON partner and Executive Director, Social and Integral Development Centre, (SIDEC), Ugochi Ehiahuruike, appealed to traditional rulers and presidents-general of communities to start advancing agriculture and food production in their Community Charters of Demands (CCDs).
“The traditional rulers and presidents-general clamouring for roads and government is executing road projects, if we have the roads and our farmers cannot go back to farm due to insecurity, what is our fate as a people?” she asked.
Earlier, National Officer, SWOFON, Virginia Ude, appreciated the support SWOFON has enjoyed from the state government but asked for more.
“Established to amplify the voice of women farmers and promote their livelihood, one of SWOFON’s objectives is to empower small scale women farmers with the skills and knowledge to improve agricultural production in the country”.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Chinyere Nwabachili, pledged government’s readiness to support SWOFON in any way possible.
“We’ve had agreement on how to work together. Government will not only provide agriculture input but we will also look into creating budget line for your activities. However, we need relevant data to achieve that”.
For her part, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Ifeyinwa Uzoka, while promising sustained assistance for SWOFON urged its members to identify with the HODs agriculture and supervisors in various LGAs.
“The governor wants to know who is getting anything from government and that will emanate from the local government. We are compiling the names of people for dry season rice farming in riverine areas and I want you to benefit from it. Go and fraternize with your HOD Agriculture and agriculture supervisors”.
Also speaking, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, Chinwe Achugbu encouraged SWOFON members to get close to the ministry to benefit from some of its activities. “The Commissioner is doing so much to ensure that women get what belongs to them. The ball is your court. Feel free to access the ministry”.
The National Vice President, ASATU and Secretary, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Anambra State Chapter, Ikechukwu Offorkansi, commended the contribution of small-scale women farmers to food production in the country.
“The goal of SWOFON, which is to ensure food security, is commendable. We will work towards create the consciousness among ASATU members. I am persuaded that given the enabling environment; you people will do more than you are doing now. I will help in spreading this gospel of food security”.
Earlier, the Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Anambra State, Arthur Mbuba, represented by Desk Officer Extension, Vincent Okeke, promised that the Federal Government would continue to support and create enabling environment for farmers to boost food security in the country.
“You need on increase the scale of production for gone are the eras of cutlass and hoes. It will not take us anywhere. I know that you need farm equipment. Whenever you are in need, put a request and we will be of help”.