By Ugochi Joseph
The Ebonyi State Budget Committee (ESBC) and Participatory Development Alternatives (PDA) shared their thoughts on the 2024 budgetary allocation to agriculture in the state. In their briefing to the media, they highlighted their demands to the government, focusing on the crucial roles of small holder women farmers in Ebonyi State.
According to the committee, they are committed to eradicating poverty, promoting social justice, and ensuring gender equality through their work on budgets and budgetary processes. The group expressed concern over the minimal allocation to agriculture in the state budget and the insufficient involvement of small holder women farmers in the state’s budgetary processes.
They emphasized that agriculture is the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, despite the presence of crude oil. It is the primary source of livelihood for many Nigerians, especially women. However, their analysis of the Ebonyi State 2024 Agriculture Budget revealed that only 4.11% of the budget is allocated to the agriculture sector. This percentage allocation has shown a downward trend from 2018 to 2024, indicating poor commitment to agricultural funding in the state. They stressed the urgent need to increase funding for agriculture to meet the 10% Malabo Declaration of 2014.
The Budget Committee Group recommended several measures to address these issues:
° The budget allocation for agriculture should meet the 10% Maputo Declaration benchmark.
The State Government should create specific budget lines for smallholder women farmers, allocating no less than 15% of the total agricultural budget.
° The State Government should create specific budget lines for smallholder women farmers, allocating no less than 15% of the total agricultural budget.
° Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) need to itemize their priorities and provide proper timelines that synchronize with the farmers and farming seasons.
These recommendations aim to ensure better support and participation for smallholder women farmers in the state’s budgetary processes, ultimately promoting a more equitable and productive agricultural sector in Ebonyi State.