Women farmers seek increased govt’s funding in agric sector
Women farmer groups in Ebonyi State have called on various levels of government to enhance their investments in agriculture to address Nigeria’s growing food insecurity. At a Stakeholders’ Consultative Meeting on the 2025 Agriculture Budget, organized by Participatory Development Alternatives and supported by ActionAid Nigeria, the women emphasized that boosting agricultural investment could increase the sector’s contribution to the country’s GDP to at least 6%.
These farmer groups also stressed the need for better regulation of pesticide use, urging the government to enact laws prohibiting harmful agrochemicals to ensure a healthy agroecological system. The women further highlighted the importance of timely budget releases, improved public agricultural investments, and active involvement of smallholder farmers in budget planning at local and state levels.
Key areas identified for strategic investment include extension services, access to credit, labor-saving technologies, post-harvest loss reduction, irrigation systems, climate-resilient agriculture, and research and development. The stakeholders also called for adherence to the Maputo/Malabo Commitments, urging legislators to focus their zonal intervention projects on evidence-based agricultural initiatives that have a tangible impact on local communities.
The proposed shift toward agroecology and the reduction of synthetic chemical pesticide use was central to their demands. The women’s groups advocated for a comprehensive, sustainable food strategy with progressive targets to reduce the use of toxic pesticides by 50% by 2030 and by 95% by 2050.
Source: BusinessDay
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders:
This call for increased agricultural funding by women farmers is significant for stakeholders across the Nigerian agricultural value chain. Women’s involvement in agriculture is critical, as they comprise a significant proportion of smallholder farmers. Targeted investments, particularly in extension services, climate-resilient agriculture, and agroecology, are crucial for addressing food insecurity and building a sustainable agricultural system.
Increased budgetary support will also help farmers mitigate the impacts of climate change, reduce post-harvest losses, and foster the adoption of innovative, labor-saving technologies. For stakeholders, aligning with this advocacy could create opportunities for partnerships in training, credit facilitation, and the promotion of environmentally friendly agricultural practices. Moreover, the development of policies regulating hazardous pesticides and promoting agroecology is a forward-thinking approach that aligns with global sustainability goals.
The commitment to reduce synthetic pesticide use can also encourage the development of organic agriculture markets, presenting potential for agribusinesses focused on organic farming inputs and practices. Stakeholders should be prepared to support these initiatives through capacity building, policy advocacy, and research partnerships to ensure the transition toward a healthier, more sustainable food system.
