Small-scale women farmers in Gombe State, Nigeria, have raised concerns about post-harvest losses and their impact on food security. At a press conference on the 2025 Agriculture Budget, the group highlighted the detrimental effects of poor storage, processing, and preservation on the state’s agricultural value chain, particularly for women farmers.
Post-Harvest Losses: A Growing Challenge
Airudia Mamman from the Small Scale Women Farmers Organisation stressed that post-harvest losses remain a major setback for Gombe’s agriculture. Poor storage and preservation facilities contribute significantly to these losses. Despite a ₦10 million allocation for post-harvest loss management in the 2024 budget, no funds were disbursed, and the 2025 budget offers no new support. Mamman called on the government to increase funding for storage facilities, agro-processing, farmer training, and cold chain systems.
Agricultural Inputs: Reductions and Rising Costs
Mamman also pointed out that the budget allocation for agricultural inputs has decreased from ₦30 million in 2024 to ₦25 million in 2025. This reduction comes at a time when smallholder farmers face rising input costs. She urged the state government to restore and increase input funding, ensure transparent distribution of subsidised fertilisers, and include organic fertilisers to support sustainable farming practices.
Empowering Women and Youth in Agriculture
Women and youth are central to food production in Gombe, yet their support continues to decline. Mamman highlighted a 40% reduction in funding for smallholder women farmers, from ₦50 million in 2024 to ₦30 million in 2025. She also pointed out that the Youth in Agriculture budget remains stagnant at ₦20 million. This lack of funding risks alienating young people from agriculture, a sector that needs innovation for long-term food security.
Inclusive Agricultural Investments: A Call for Action
Sarah Yapwa, CEO of the Hope Foundation for the Lonely, emphasized the need for inclusive and impactful agricultural investments. She highlighted that agriculture is vital to Gombe’s economy, yet budgetary allocations fall short of national and international commitments, such as the Maputo and Malabo Declarations, which call for 10% of public expenditure to go towards agriculture.
Conclusion: Strengthening Gombe’s Agricultural Future
Mamman and Yapwa urged the Gombe State Government to prioritize post-harvest loss reduction, agricultural input support, and empowerment for women and youth. By addressing these challenges, the state can strengthen its agricultural sector, improve food security, and boost economic resilience.
