SEGUN BABATUNDE, Bauchi
Small- scale farmers in Bauchi State have observed that poor access to farmlands by women, rising insecurity in the country and the difficulties in accessing micro credits, loans and subsidies are part of the challenges affecting farmers productivity in the state.
Executive Director of the Association of Small-Scale Agro-Producers in Nigeria (ASSAPIN), Hajiya Amina Bala Jubrin, who made the observation during a Joint Press Conference to mark the World Food Day 2022, tagged, “Leave NO ONE Behind”, held at the NUJ Secretariat in Bauchi yesterday , noted that over the years, small-scale farmers, particularly women farmers, have been faced with numerous challenges that have hampered their productivity and livelihood.
According to her, farmers in the state have been contributing significantly to availability of food both in and off season in order that all citizens, irrespective of location, age, gender or level of income, can meet their daily dietary requirements and that raw materials for industries are provided as well.
“The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) with support from Oxfam and in partnership with the Association of Small-Scale Agro-Producers in Nigeria (ASSAPIN), the Small Scale Women Farmers Organization in Nigeria (SWOFON) and the National Council of YMCAs of Nigeria collaborate to advance the prioritization of the livelihoods of small-holder farmers and thus the security of food in Bauchi.
” Nigerian agricultural labour force which is dominated by women farmers who constitute over 70 percent of the entire agricultural labour force and are involved in almost every aspect of the agricultural value chain”
” As a result of the current plight of smallholder farmers in Nigeria, and after consultation with the ASSAPIN in Bauchi state, Small-holder farmers in the state with support from Oxfam and the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) in partnership with the Association of Small-Scale Agro-Producers in Nigeria (ASSAPIN), the Small Scale Women Farmers Organization in Nigeria (SWOFON) and the National Council of YMCAs of Nigeria demand the emergency actions and commitments by present, returning and incoming governments in Bauchi state.
“This has become necessary to ensure that food is affordable to every citizen, irrespective of their social class, such that every citizen can afford three daily square meals and can lead a healthy life as well ensure that food is accessible to every citizen in terms of both availability and affordability”
“It is also to create a state agency for small-scale agriculture development dedicated to the development of SSFs and reduce the wide extension – farmer ratio so farmers can better access inputs and improved practices. Furthermore, Strategic farm inputs like fertilizers, improved seeds and seedlings, and agrochemicals, should be made available for women farmers and in a timely manner by revitalizing Agric Extension Service”
“Since the pandemic affected the 2020 farming season, it is now imperative that the government re-energize the extension service to make farm inputs available for farmers to allow for significant production during the dry season and in the coming farming season to address food shortages,” She said
Also speaking, a stakeholder in the state, Mary Martins called for the Implementation of smallholder friendly policy to Improve rural infrastructure (like roads, water, basic health facilities, etc.) to ease access to farm produce.
She said that a deliberate move to Integrate Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS) with the Anchor Borrowers Scheme to broaden reach, amend the Land Use Act to allow for easy access to land for small scale farmers in general, and women.
“There should be a coordinate efforts between government agencies towards more effective management of policies to bolster domestic investment and galvanize competition in the sector and Revive One-stop-shop initiative from Vision 20:2020 which provides the farmers a common place to have all agricultural needs (including inputs and extension advisory) met Zones for processing staple crops should be revitalized and complete” She said.
“The implications of not responding to the emergency demands is that the current rise in food prices is a testament to the extent of damage brought on by the pandemic.
According to her, “We are committed to contributing our quota in ensuring that Bauchi state is food secure. If acted upon, the emergency response demands put forth in this document will go a long way in addressing the current food shortages faced in the country, in safeguarding the livelihoods of thousands of women and their households, and in ensuring the availability of food in the future.”