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By Abdullahi Ahmed
As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to mark the 2025 World Food Day, Smallscale Women Farmers in Nigeria, SWOFON, Kwara State chapter have called for increased government support and investment in agriculture to ensure food security and sustainable development.
Speaking on the theme: “Hand In Hand for a Better Foods and A Better Future,” the Kwara State Coordinator of the SWOFON, Mrs Modupe Sulaiman emphasized that food remains one of the most basic physical and psychological needs of humanity, essential for survival, growth, and well-being.
The 2025 World Food Day commemoration held in Ilorin, Kwara State Capital was organised by SWOFON and Centre for Community Empowerment and Poverty Eradication, CCEPE in partnership with Action Aid Nigeria.
Mrs Modupe Sulaiman noted that both producers and consumers depend on food, underscoring the central role of farmers—particularly women—in achieving national and global food security.
The women farmers expressed concern over the numerous challenges facing them, including limited access to finance, lack of agricultural inputs, and inadequate mechanization, which continue to affect their productivity and income.
They appealed to the government, communities, and agricultural organizations to provide gender-friendly farm equipment, improved seed varieties, and access to extension services to enhance productivity and sustainability.
The SWOFON Coordinator also called for regular seminars and training on farm management, maintenance, food preservation, and storage techniques, noting that such initiatives would help reduce post-harvest losses and ensure year-round food availability.
According to the group, the success of agriculture and food security in Nigeria depends largely on strong partnerships among government, farmers’ associations, and development stakeholders working together to create a resilient and inclusive food system.
In an address, the Executive Director, Center for Community Empowerment and Poverty Eradication, CCEPE, Mallam AbdurRahman Akindele Ayuba called on the government at all levels to increase investment in agriculture to boost food production and ensure national food security.
Mallam Ayuba described commemoration of the World Food Day as a wake-up call for government and stakeholders to intensify efforts toward achieving sustainable agricultural development.
He emphasized the need for government to fully implement the 2010 Maputo–Malabo Declaration, which recommends that at least 10 percent of national budgets be allocated to the agricultural sector to promote food sufficiency and rural empowerment.
The CCEPE Executive Director also appealed for the timely release of farm inputs such as fertilizers, seedlings, and herbicides to farmers, noting that such support would enhance productivity and reduce the cost of food items in the market.
While commending the Kwara State Government for its gender-sensitive agricultural policies, Mallam Ayuba urged authorities to provide adequate market and storage facilities to prevent post-harvest losses.
He advocated stronger focus on agro-processing and value chain development, which he said are vital to improving farmers’ income, creating employment opportunities, and strengthening the state’s food economy.
Declaring the event open, the Kwara State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Afeez Abolore called for renewed commitment and collaborative efforts to end hunger and build sustainable food systems across the state and the nation.
Dr Abolore, represented the Director of Agricultural Engineering Services, Mr Sanni Olorin, noted that World Food Day, serves as an important reminder of the shared global responsibility to combat hunger, promote food security, and encourage environmentally sustainable agricultural practices.
According to the Commissioner, despite significant progress made by government and other stakeholders in food production, millions of people around the world still suffer from hunger and malnutrition, a situation worsened by climate change, conflicts, and economic instability.
He emphasized the need for continued technological innovation, policy reforms, and government support for local farmers, noting that these are essential in achieving efficient, sustainable, and inclusive food systems that respect the environment and promote biodiversity.
“As we commemorate World Food Day, let us recommit ourselves to building a future where everyone has access to sufficient and nutritious food. Together, we can strengthen the fight against hunger and build a healthier, more resilient world,” he stated.
In a remark, the Managing Director, Kwara State Agricultural Development Project, ADP, Dr. Khadijat Ahmed assured women farmers in the state of adequate agricultural extension services and timely distribution of farm inputs to enhance productivity.
Dr. Ahmed emphasized the commitment of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration to repositioning the agricultural sector for improved food security and economic growth.
She highlighted several initiatives introduced by the state government to strengthen agricultural development, including support for smallholder women farmers, promotion of modern farming techniques, and facilitation of access to improved seedlings and equipment.
Dr. Khadijat Ahmed reaffirmed that the Kwara ADP would continue to work closely with farmers, particularly women, to ensure sustainable food production and rural empowerment across the state.
The 2025 World Food Day celebration with the theme, Hand In Hand For Better Foods and A Better Future, brought together key stakeholders in agriculture, rural development experts, representatives of Civil Society Organisations and SWOFON members across the 16 Local Government Areas, who all reaffirmed their support for food security initiatives in Kwara State.
