Chima Azubuike Women farmers in Gombe State under the aegis of Smallholders Women Farmers Organisation in Nigeria, on Tuesday, called for increased allocation and release of the agriculture budget in line with Malabo and Maputo Declaration of 10 per cent. This was contained in a communique read by SWOFON spokesman, Airudia Mamman, at the 2025 consultative meeting on the agriculture budget in Gombe state. Our correspondent reports that the meeting was organised by SWOFON, alongside Hope Foundation for the Lonely with support from ActionAid Nigeria with no fewer than 48 participants in attendance.
Mamman said, “The Gombe State Government should commit 10 per cent of the annual budget to the agricultural sector to meet the 10 per cent Maputo/Malabo Declaration required to support at least six per cent growth rate for the industry as postulated in the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme framework. “There is an observed instability in the trend regarding percentage allocation. This does not show a clear commitment to improvement, considering the role that agriculture plays in the economy.
There is the need to progressively increase allocation to the sector in line with the CAADP benchmark as a demonstration of the state commitment to diversify the economy and create jobs through the sector.” While urging the government on timely consideration of the agriculture budget, the group added, “We, therefore, call on Gombe State Executive Council and the House o.