Despite rise in agric budget, Nigeria still falls short of 10% target- SWOFON

Nigeria’s federal budgetary provision for agriculture has risen sharply over the past three years, but the allocation remains substantially below the 10 per cent target associated with the Maputo and Malabo agricultural commitments.

The National Secretary of Small Scale Women Farmers Organisation in Nigeria (SWOFON), Asonye Chinasa noted this during its national campaign on accelerating women farmers’ impact towards food security on Wednesday in Abuja .

The campaign was themed: “Women Farmers’ Voice to Action”.

She said budget analyses showed that agricultural funding increased from about N228.4 billion in 2023 to N362.94 billion in 2024, before rising to N826.5 billion in the 2025 budget proposal.

She said the figures represented approximately 1.05 per cent, 1.32 per cent and 1.7 per cent, respectively, of the corresponding federal budgets.

Also, the National treasurer, Petuniya Kefas noted that increased participation in policy and budget processes must be matched by identifiable budget commitments, timely implementation and equitable delivery of agricultural services.

According to her, smallholder women farmers remain central to Nigeria’s food production, rural livelihoods and household welfare, yet they continue to face persistent barriers to land, finance, inputs, mechanisation, extension services and market access.

“Address structural barriers insecure land tenure, limited finance, climate shocks, insecurity, poor infrastructure and unequal access to productive assets.

“SWOFON believes accelerating women farmers’ impact is essential to strengthening Nigeria’s food systems.

The Food and Agriculture Programme Advisor at ActionAid Nigeria, Blessing Akhile, said the contribution of women farmers must be recognised and supported through stronger policies, funding and participation in decision-making processes.

Reflecting on the emergence of the slogan “We Feed the Nation,” she said the campaign had helped give women farmers a collective identity and highlight their contribution to Nigeria’s food supply.

A representative from House commitee on Agricultural Production and Service, Oluwabunmi Agbeke, assured that the National Assembly has pledged to support policies and initiatives aimed at improving the participation and economic opportunities of women smallholder farmers across Nigeria.