The Role of Agricultural Sector on Economic Growth and Development in Nigeria
CHAPTER ONE
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The broad objective of this study is to evaluate the role of the agricultural sector in the economic growth and development in Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study are:
- To examine the impact that the agricultural sector plays in the Nigerian economy.
- To assess the trend of government expenditure on agricultures in Nigeria.
- To proffer policy recommendations for economic growth through the agricultural sector.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
INTRODUCTION
This chapter reviews the literature on the role of agricultural sector on economic growth and development in Nigeria. It discusses issues arising from the topic of interest as viewed from different perspectives, with a view of giving a theoretical and empirical foundation to the study.
LITERATURE REVIEW
AGRICULTURAL GROWTH
Nigeria is fortunate to have an abundance of fertile soil along with a climate suitable for agriculture. There is also a supply of human resources that could benefit from having the agricultural sector to work in. As stated above, Nigeria can join the league of economically developed nations by focusing on the improvement of its agricultural sector. A recent group study (Diao, Xinshen, Hazell, Peter & Thurlow, 2009) examined the effect of other channels of growth on the decrease in poverty and the overall growth rate in six low-income countries of Africa. The findings of that research can be applicable to Nigeria as well. According to the study, industrial growth is less effective in reducing poverty than agricultural growth because a major percentage of the population (about 70%) live in rural areas. The agricultural sector is favourable as it allows greater employment opportunities for the poor. It was also noted by Diao et al that even though the industrial sector is important for boosting the economy, it fails to create sufficient employment opportunities for the poor and unskilled workers. In addition, the study stated that there was little evidence to prove that African countries could launch a successful economic transformation without going through an agricultural revolution on a country-wide basis (Di Agriculture/ Nigerian Economy How Variables Played to Raise Productivity? Nigeria has an abundance of material and human resources. The country is divided into three main regions; the Eastern, Western and Northern regions. The Northern region of Nigeria is the largest of the three. It contributes the most to the agricultural sector. A study identified that the main problems of Nigeria stem from the fact that they are unable to access the natural and human resources (Muhammed, &Atte, 2006). In the study, Muhammed et al observed growth in many different sub sectors of agriculture and their contribution to the Nigerian economy during the years 1981 to 2003. They also identified the various factors that have an impact on the national agricultural production in Nigeria. They specifically examined the sectors of crops, livestock, fishery and forest. The factors that were examined included population growth rate, GDP growth rate, consumer price index, food import values and the expenditure of government on the agricultural sector. Land, labour and machinery; which are equally important factors were not included in the analysis.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
In this section, we briefly describe the study area – Nigeria, and discuss the model, data and estimation method.
Study Area: Nigeria
The Federal Republic of Nigeria is located in West Africa between latitude 40-140N and longitude 30-150E. It is bordered by the Gulf of Guinea to the south, Benin to the West, Niger to the North and Cameroon and Chad to the East. Nigeria comprises of 36 states and its Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. There are over 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria; the major ones being Hausa/Fulani, Igbo, and Yoruba who predominantly live in the northern, eastern and western parts of the country, respectively. These regions were amalgamated as the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria in 1914. In 1960, Nigeria got its independence from Britain.
Nigeria has a total land area of 923,768sqkm including 13,000sqkm of water, a border length of 4,047km and a coastline of 853km. The highest point in Nigeria is Chappal Waddi at 2,419m (7,936ft) and the lowest is the Atlantic Ocean (0m). The main rivers in Nigeria, River Niger and River Benue, converge in Lokoja (Kogi State) and empty into the Niger Delta, the location of a large area of Central African Mangroves.
CHAPTER FOUR
PRESENTATION ANALYSIS INTERPRETATION OF DATA
Introduction
Efforts will be made at this stage to present, analyze and interpret the data collected during the field survey. This presentation will be based on the responses from the completed questionnaires. The result of this exercise will be summarized in tabular forms for easy references and analysis. It will also show answers to questions relating to the research questions for this research study. The researcher employed simple percentage in the analysis.
Data Analysis
The data collected from the respondents were analyzed in tabular form with simple percentage for easy understanding.
A total of 133(one hundred and thirty-three) questionnaires were distributed and 133 questionnaires were returned.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
INTRODUCTION
It is important to reiterate that the objective of this study was on the role of agricultural sector on economic growth and development in Nigeria.
In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in evaluating examine the role of on the he role of agricultural sector on economic growth and development in Nigeria
SUMMARY
This study was undertaken to examine the role of agricultural sector on economic growth and development in Nigeria. The study opened with chapter one where the statement of the problem was clearly defined. The study objectives and research hypotheses were defined and formulated respectively. The study reviewed related and relevant literatures. The chapter two gave the conceptual framework, empirical and theoretical studies. The third chapter described the methodology employed by the researcher in collecting both the primary and the secondary data. The research method employed here is the descriptive survey method. The study analyzed and presented the data collected in tables and the hypotheses were tested using the Spearman Rank Order While the fifth chapter gives the study summary and conclusion.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The role of agricultural sector on economic growth and development in Nigeria is a topic with high priority.The primary purpose of agriculture to development and growth is to feed the people of the country. This role in food production is irreplaceable because the availability of adequate food supply disables scarcity that leads to higher prices and also most people must work to produce enough food for the population (Begg, 2003). Also maintaining a good food supply implies good health for the people hence increased, productivity which will promote economic growth. In this work we found out that, the Nigeria’s agricultural sector has contributed significantly to the economic growth and development of the country and that there is a significant impact of agricultural earnings on economic growth in Nigeria
REFERENCES
- Ayoola, G. B. (2009). National medium priority framework for food security and agricultural development in Nigeria. Agricultural Economics Department University of Agriculture Makurdi Benue State, Nigeria.
- Ayodele, O. S., Obafemi, F. N., & Ebong, F. S. (2013). Challenges facing the achievement of the Nigeria vision. Global Advanced Research Journal of Social Sciences, 27, 143-157.
- Carbaugh, J. R. (2009). International economics (12th ed.). Independence, KY: Cengage Learning.
- Diao, X., Hazell, P., & Thurlow, J. (2006). The role of agriculture in African development. World Development, 38(10), 1375-1383.
- Muhammad-Lawal, A., & Atte, O. A. (2006). An analysis of agricultural production in Nigeria. African Journal of General Agriculture, 2.
- Mukhtar, M., & Muhtar (1987). Agricultural development in Nigeria: The role of market and non-market forces. Review of African Political Economy, 39, 42-50.
- National Bureau of Statistics. Agriculture. (2012). Retrieved January 27,
- 2014, from http://www.nigerianstat.gov.ng/sectorstat/sectors/Agriculture
- Ojowu, O., & Mensah, S. (1988). Agricultural commodity marketing in
- Nigeria without the marketing boards. Elsevier Applied Publishers Ltd, 281-
- 292.Osagie, C. (2011, August 15). World Bank. Retrieved January 24, 2014, from http://data.worldbank.org/
- Ray, D. (1989). Development economics. NJ: Princeton University Press.
