Representatives of the Centre for Inclusive Social Development (CISD) participated in the “Strategy Alignment & Systems Change Training” hosted by the International Budget Partnership (IBP) at The Pearl, Jabi Lake, Abuja.
The event, held on June 4, 2025, brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening public resource management in Nigeria, focusing on small-scale women farmers and marginalised communities.
The Chief Operating Officer, Wabani Gadzama, and the Stakeholder Engagement Officer, Elisha Ekong, represented CISD.
Spotlight on SWOFON
A major highlight of the training was the engagement with the Small-Scale Women Farmers Organisation in Nigeria (SWOFON)—a collective of over 500,000 female farmers across Nigeria’s 36 states. SWOFON continues to play a critical role in advancing the interests of women in agriculture by advocating for fair policies, increased access to resources, and better livelihood opportunities.
Core Themes and Insights
1. Systems Change for Lasting Impact
The training emphasised the need for a systems change approach to public finance. Rather than treating symptoms, participants were encouraged to dig deeper, repeatedly asking “why” to trace the root causes of policy and implementation failures. The aim is to create sustainable solutions for everyone, especially marginalised groups.
2. Gender and Intersectionality
Gender and intersectionality were critically examined. Discussions revolved around ensuring that public policies and budgeting processes reflect the needs of diverse groups, including women, persons with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged populations.
3. Addressing Grassroots Challenges
Participants collectively acknowledged the importance of tackling grassroots problems through participatory approaches. Group activities focused on identifying areas of change within organisations. For CISD, key areas highlighted included:
- Budgeting
- Cash Releases
- Procurement
- Audit
- Service Delivery
- Monitoring & Evaluation
- Participation & Feedback
Actionable Takeaways for CISD
The training offered several actionable insights, which CISD is committed to integrating into its programs and advocacy:
- Adopt Gender-Responsive Budgeting: Ensure resource allocation considers the specific needs of women, particularly in agriculture and healthcare.
- Push for Increased Funding: Advocate for more support to primary healthcare centres and agricultural extension services.
- Empower Women Leaders: Champion the inclusion of women in community and national decision-making platforms.
- Support Progressive Tax Reforms: Campaign for a tax system that eases burdens on low-income earners while promoting compliance among high-income individuals.
Looking Ahead
The “Strategy Alignment & Systems Change Training” was a powerful reminder of the need for inclusive governance and equitable resource distribution. CISD remains committed to leveraging these insights to drive systemic change and promote a just and inclusive society where everyone—regardless of gender or socioeconomic status—has the opportunity to thrive.
