The Association of Small-Scale Agro Producers in Nigeria, ASSAPIN, has called for an upward review in the agriculture budget allocation, to enable small-scale farmers meet the growing food demand and fight hunger in the country.
The call was made during a press conference organized by the joint leadership of the Agro Farmers Association in Bauchi State, North East Nigeria.
Also Read: Cross River Agriculture: Ndoma – Egba advocates food sufficiency through farming policies
Addressing journalists at the commemoration of the World Food Day in Bauchi State, the coalition of Civil Society Organizations working in the agricultural sector said over the years, small-scale farmers, who are largely dominated by women, have called on the government to ensure the upward review of the agricultural budgetary allocation, to enable the farmers to tackle some challenges, arising from the poor access and ownership of farmlands, the rising insecurity in the country, and the difficulties in accessing micro credits, loans and subsidies, to improve their production.
While lamenting the current increase in the prices of food items, that has affected almost every household, the group blamed it on Covid-19 pandemic even as it said it will remain committed to tackling the problem of food shortage in the country.
The 2022 World Food Day has as its theme, “Leave No One Behind,” and the coalition said, for the agriculture sector to advance, gender-specific policies and services, tailored to women’s participation should be developed and promptly implemented.
Editor: Omor Bazuaye
