By Ahmed Ahmed
A recent analysis of the Bauchi State 2025 approved agricultural budget has exposed significant shortcomings, potentially hindering the state’s agricultural development and food security.
The analysis, conducted by the Bauchi State PFA Budget Committee, Fahimta Women and Youth Development Initiative (FAWOYDI), Smallholder Women Farmers Network (SHOWFAN), and Small Scale Women Farmers Organization in Nigeria (SWOFON), highlights several areas of concern.
Mrs Tabawa Atiku, the State Chairperson, Budget Committee Group (BCG) made the revelation at a news conference on Wednesday in Bauchi
She said the agricultural sector received only 1.6% of the state’s total budget, a mere 0.1% increase from 2024, falling short of the 10% Malabo declaration.
“No budgetary allocation was made specifically for Women in Agriculture (WIA), and the joint budget line for women and youth in agriculture remained the same as in 2024.
“The budget did not capture labor-saving technologies, which could promote mechanization and increase food security.
“No budget line was allocated for climate change mitigation and agroecology, despite its importance for sustainable food production,” Atiku stressed
She added that no budget line was allocated for extension services, exacerbating existing challenges in the extension unit.
“No budgetary allocation was made for agricultural finance/credit, hindering smallholder farmers’ access to credit,” She said.
Also speaking, Mrs Dinah Daniel Executive Director, FAWOYDI said the group recommended that the state government should increase budget allocation to agriculture to meet the 10% Malabo declaration
“Provide specific budget lines for smallholder women farmers, extension services, and climate change mitigation
“Allocate funds for labor-saving technologies and irrigation farming, as well as enhance oversight functions and mandate over public funds in the sector,” she said
The Executive Director urged government to organize annual state-level stakeholders’ consultative meetings on agriculture budget
“We urged the government to address these inadequacies to ensure the agricultural sector’s growth and productivity, ultimately enhancing food security and economic stability in the state,,” she concluded
