Women farmers in Kogi State, represented by the Small Scale Women Farmers Organisation in Nigeria (SWOFON), have issued a plea to the Kogi Government for support with farm inputs ahead of the wet farming season.
During a joint news conference with the Budget Committee and ActionAid Nigeria in Lokoja, Mrs. Rukayat Ahmed, the Coordinator of Kogi SWOFON, highlighted the pressing need for timely provision of agricultural resources. Despite the State Government’s allocation of nearly N1 billion to women farmers and youths in the 2024 budget, Ahmed expressed concern over the delayed release of funds and farm inputs.
Ahmed emphasized the critical role of farm inputs such as fertilizers, seeds, seedlings, tractors, and chemicals in boosting food production, stressing that their absence could impede agricultural activities. She urged the government to review existing agricultural policies and frameworks, advocating for increased funding to support the purchase of essential inputs and the implementation of effective policies.
Furthermore, Ahmed called for improved access to credit for women, youths, and farmers living with disabilities. She proposed the engagement of consultants or consultancy firms to assist cooperatives in accessing credit facilities offered by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other financial institutions.
Addressing the issue of post-harvest losses, Ahmed underscored the need for investment in processing and storage facilities to mitigate annual losses incurred by smallholder women farmers in Kogi State. She emphasized the urgency of bridging the gap in processing and storage infrastructure to enhance food security and economic stability in the region.
The appeal from Kogi women farmers underscores the importance of timely government intervention to address challenges facing agricultural development, particularly in ensuring access to vital resources and infrastructure necessary for sustainable farming practices.
