The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Agricultural growth

  • Funding gaps stall Niger’s agricultural growth – Research

    Funding gaps stall Niger’s agricultural growth – Research

    A comprehensive review of Niger State’s agricultural budget performance from 2020 to 2024 has revealed significant funding shortfalls and delays that have stifled expected growth in the sector.

    The review, conducted by the Director of Research and Development of the IBB University, Lapai, Professor Lawal Alimi Folorunsho, found that despite commitments under the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) to allocate at least 10 per cent of the state’s budget to agriculture, Niger State consistently fell short.

    Making a presentation of the final report of the 2020 to 2024 budget analysis to the Niger State Ministry of Agriculture during the Agricultural Sector Coordination Meeting, Folorunsho noted that the highest budgetary provision during the four years was only 7.2 per cent in 2021.

    The University Don further revealed that not only were allocations inadequate, but actual releases were alarmingly low, attributing the slow pace of agricultural development partly to this gap

     “In the period under review, less than 30 per cent of the approved agricultural budgets were released. The highest allocation we have is about 7.2 per cent, which was in 2021.

    “Despite that, we have low approval; the releases of what is less than 10 per cent were within this period, less than 30 per cent. While 7.2 per cent was allotted and approved in 2021, less than 30 per cent of 7.2 was released in four years. This has stifled development and areas where we want to be”, he said.

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    The review of the state’s Medium-Term Sector Strategy (MTSS) and investment plans also showed that only 11 out of 27 key agricultural performance indicators received budgetary attention. Folorunsho stressed that achieving better outcomes would require deliberate advocacy for improved allocations and more timely releases

    The study revealed that projects supported by development partners were better funded and had more timely disbursements than those driven solely by government initiatives, pointing out that these projects were largely executed by ministry staff, showcasing existing internal capacity.

    The study also revealed that despite these challenges, the state recorded modest improvements, particularly in crop yields and sectoral growth indicators.

    Looking forward, Folorunsho expressed cautious optimism about the N416.16 billion allocated to agriculture in the 2025 budget, representing 21.1 per cent of the state’s total budget. He, however, emphasised the need for proper fund releases to truly transform the sector.

    The Permanent Secretary of the Niger State Ministry of Agriculture,  Dr Mathew Ahmed, said that they are working to ensure timely releases of the approved budget, calling for the release of the funds for the first six months to ensure speedy work in the sector.

    He explained that the Agricultural Sector Coordination Meeting is meant to assess the activities of every ministry, agency, and partner who is working with the Ministry to move the agricultural sector forward.

    Ahmed said the state government is working towards hosting the Niger State Council on Agriculture to look at ways of moving the state agricultural sector forward. 

    He called on ministries, agencies, and partners to join hands for the success of the meeting.

  • ‘Agricultural growth possible through trained manpower’

    ‘Agricultural growth possible through trained manpower’

    Managing Director, Green Development and Agro Allied Services (GDAS), Kayode Ogundayomi  has emphasised that skilled personnel and effective record-keeping are essential for the advancement of agriculture.

    In his view, qualified personnel provide valuable expertise and creative practices within the sector, while meticulous record-keeping aids in tracking advancements, optimising resource management, and enabling well-informed decision-making.

    He made these remarks during a training session on “Record Keeping as a Tool for Driving Productivity and Access to Finance in Smallholder Farming,” which held in Akure, Ondo State. The training was organised by GDAS as one of several initiatives rolled by the company to support smallholder farmers in Ondo State. It was  designed to help the next generation of farm operators learn about financial and business management strategies that can help them develop into managers and decision-makers on the farm.

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    In his welcome address, Ogundayomi underscored the crucial role of equipping manpower to meet  farming needs.

    According to him, the participants  have not only gained the skills they need to thrive as the next generation of farmers, but also to help ensure Nigeria’s food security for years to come.

    He said the company is committed to changing the narrative of the agricultural sector by training various stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

    He said that one thing that is key to any business is the record, because that is what would enhance scalability, point out areas where mistakes have been made and inform implementation of necessary corrections and enhance taking a data-driven decision.

    He also stated that  no investor will be willing to give money to any farmer who does not have adequate records.

    100 smallholder farmers were equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to maintain accurate and effective records.

    The Programme Coordinator, GDAS, Esther Adesina, described the  training as  a huge success. She noted: “Farmers were engaged and eager to learn, and we’re confident that the skills they acquired will have a positive impact on their farming businesses.”

    The training featured a Panel session, a training session and a question-and-answer session. During the discussion, panelists also discussed strategies for ensuring continuous record keeping and identified essential records to track, such as production data, financial information, and market trends.

    They stated how accurate records can improve decision-making, enhance productivity, and facilitate access to finance by sharing practical and real-life examples.

    Farmers who attended the training expressed gratitude and enthusiasm for the initiative. “I never knew record keeping could be so important,” said Mr. Adeniyi John. “I’m excited to start using my new logbook and seeing the difference it will make in my farm.” He stated that before any investor will give you money, they would want to ascertain if you know what you are doing as a farmer. “I had been keeping records, but they weren’t detailed enough.” said Mrs. Akiniyi Oluwatosin. She discovered there were essential records she’d overlooked.

    The training is part of GDAS’s mission to promote sustainable agriculture and empower smallholder farmers in Nigeria.