Chima Azubuike, Gombe
The Small Scale Women Farmers Organization in Nigeria (SWOFON), Gombe has bemoaned possible shortage of food in the state due to Covid-19.
According to the group state chairperson Mrs Airudia Mamman, this can be averted through clear cut policies in Agriculture.
Mamman disclosed this on Monday during a press conference, in collaboration with Gombe State Public Financing of Agriculture (PFA) with support from Hope Foundation for the Lonely.
She said with the advent of the covid-19, the smallholder women farmers who are known for the production of over 60% food consumed in the state faced series of hard times in the history of the state caused by the partial lockdown.
Mamman added that the restriction caused massive post harvest losses on food items such as rice, maize, millet, tomatoes, onions, pepper among others.
She said, “The current situation of looming food crisis in the state and in Nigeria due to the ravaging Covid-19 pandemic that has nearly crippled all sectors of the economy. The percentage allocation to agriculture is about 2.5% when compared with the total state budget which is far from 10% Malabo declaration of 2014.
“There should be adequate provision for credits and loans for especially smallholder women farmers and youth, this will greatly enhance their output hence, food sufficiency, security and employment.”
On his part, Bashama Yusuf, chairman of Gombe State Public Financing of Agriculture called on government to ensure adequate farm inputs are provided for smallholder farmers.
Also Speaking, the Executive director of Hope Foundation for the Lonely,
Mansa Adamu, said special palliatives targeted at smallholder farmers especially women should be designed to provide the needs of farmers as they are amongst the poor and vulnerable.