By correspondent in Minna.
Concerned about the soaring cost of food and its impact on hunger and starvation, the Small-Holder Women Farmers Organisation in Nigeria (SWOFON), Niger State chapter, has called on Governor Mohammed Umar Bago’s administration to support women and youths in agriculture to boost food production and security.
The group emphasized that with adequate support—free from political, tribal, or religious biases—women and youths could leverage their numbers to not only enhance food security but also create jobs, thereby improving the income and livelihoods of small-scale farmers and aspiring agriculturists.
Speaking at a one-day stakeholders’ consultative meeting in Minna on Thursday, SWOFON’s state coordinator, Mrs. Grace Disa, stressed the need for urgent financial support and extension services for women and youth farmers, describing the proposed 2025 agriculture budget as unrealistic.
“There is a category of farmers—those just starting or willing to venture into farming, particularly small-scale farmers who are mostly women and youths. They need proper funding, access to credit facilities, and adequate land to contribute meaningfully to food production in the state and the country at large,” she stated.
Mrs. Disa passionately appealed for the timely release of funds allocated to SWOFON in the 2025 budget, urging the state government, relevant ministries, and financial authorities to ensure the disbursement of appropriated funds.
“We appeal to the state government, all relevant ministries, MDAs, and the offices of the Accountant and Auditor-General to release the funds allocated to us in the 2025 budget. Timely release of these funds will boost our activities, enhance food production, and strengthen food security in Niger State,” she added.
Among the key recommendations from the meeting was the need for specific budget allocations and cash backing for women and youths in agriculture, a move the group believes will encourage greater participation in farming.
While commending Governor Bago’s investment in agriculture, Mrs. Disa urged his administration to prioritize provisions for women and youths, ensuring timely disbursement of funds and subsidized agricultural inputs such as fertilizers.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
