This article draws on critical review of research articles, official statistics and policy documents on agricultural production in Nigeria, especially since the beginning of the current democratic dispensation in 1999.
This paper highlights the findings of researchers and policy makers on the significant gains made in the agricultural sector, especially in terms of increased productivity of staple crops like cassava and rice. However, this review also identifies significant gaps in knowledge and deficiencies in practice, in the areas of innovation diffusion among rural farmers, market reforms, engagement in high value chains, and the politics of policy implementation and evaluation.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Rural poverty, food poverty and farming practices
3. Social organisation of agricultural production
3.1 Mobilisation and organisation of labour
3.2 Ownership and utilization of land
3.3 Gender issues in agricultural production
4. The challenge of agricultural credit and appropriate technology
4.1 Agricultural financing
4.2 Technology for agricultural production
5. Agricultural development interventions
Objectives and Core Themes
This paper provides a critical review of the agricultural sector in Nigeria since 1999, aiming to synthesize research findings, official statistics, and policy documents to evaluate the effectiveness of government interventions, address knowledge gaps, and propose critical reflections on food security and rural development challenges.
- Analysis of farming practices, including the impacts of climate change and traditional methods.
- Critique of the social organization of agricultural production, focusing on labor, gender, and land tenure.
- Examination of the barriers to agricultural credit and the role of appropriate technology.
- Evaluation of policy implementation, with a focus on the Agricultural Transformation Agenda.
- Assessment of the shift in perception of agriculture from a development project to a profit-oriented business.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 Mobilisation and organisation of labour
As in many African societies, the household is the primary unit of labour mobilization for agricultural production. Typically, the head of the household is the man, although in practice, and as will be explored in more detail later, women exercise considerable independence and control. Children are also seen as important sources of labour at the household unit, and this notion is often associated with the practice of polygamy, especially in the rural areas (Oluyole et al, 2013). However, the value and productivity of household labour resources depends significantly on the age and health of the farmer, and whether or not the children are young and dependent or older enough to fully participate in farm work (Olaniyi et al, 2007).
Requirements for labour often vary with respect to seasons, type of crops and type of farm lands. It is suggested, for example, that cultivation in the savannah is more demanding compared with forest lands, and post-harvest labour requirements are more intensive for some crop, compared with others (Oluyole et al, 2013). In addition, there is usually shortage of labour at seasonal peaks in the rainy season when much of the cultivation is done. The dry season also has its own peculiar problems- for crops planted at this period- due to the challenge of labour migration to non-agricultural engagements (Stone, 1998; Abila, 2012). However, the impact of rural-urban migration on farm labour availability has not been given adequate attention in the literature, considering the long history of neglect of rural infrastructure, and disproportionate attention of governments on urban areas.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter provides an overview of the agricultural sector in Nigeria since the end of military rule in 1999 and outlines the paper's aim to critically evaluate research, policy, and intervention challenges.
2. Rural poverty, food poverty and farming practices: This section investigates the link between rural poverty and farming practices, highlighting the challenges of rain-fed agriculture, environmental degradation, and the use of primitive implements.
3. Social organisation of agricultural production: This chapter analyzes how traditional societies manage factors of production, specifically focusing on labor mobilization, land tenure systems, and the crucial, yet often overlooked, role of gender.
4. The challenge of agricultural credit and appropriate technology: This section explores the dual challenges of financial constraints and the adoption of technological innovations in small-scale farming.
5. Agricultural development interventions: This chapter reviews historical and current government policy initiatives, specifically examining the transition toward an agriculture-as-a-business model.
Keywords
Agricultural production, rural development, innovations, food security, Nigeria, small-scale farmers, land tenure, agricultural credit, climate change, government interventions, farming practices, agricultural policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary scope of this publication?
The work provides a comprehensive review of Nigeria's agricultural sector since 1999, focusing on the intersection of government policy, rural poverty, and farming practices.
What are the main thematic areas covered?
Key themes include the social organization of production, land tenure issues, access to financial credit, the impact of technological adoption, and gender roles in agriculture.
What is the central research aim?
The aim is to highlight key findings from research and policy documents while providing a critical reflection on the challenges of implementing food security and rural development interventions.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The study utilizes a critical review of existing academic research, official national statistics, and government policy documents to triangulate findings and identify knowledge gaps.
What does the main body discuss?
It covers farming practices, labor mobilization strategies, land ownership, the challenges of financing and technology, and an evaluation of historical government programs.
Which keywords define the work?
The research is best characterized by terms such as agricultural production, rural development, food security, innovation diffusion, and policy evaluation.
How does land tenure affect agricultural productivity in Nigeria?
Communal land ownership often creates bottlenecks in land allocation and prevents farmers from using land as collateral for credit, thus hindering investment.
Why have many government interventions historically failed?
Many initiatives suffered from a top-down approach, lack of consultation with local farmers, and corruption, which prevented resources from reaching the intended recipients.
What role does gender play in Nigerian agriculture?
Although women constitute a significant portion of the agricultural workforce and produce much of the staple food, they are frequently marginalized in decision-making and access to resources.
- Quote paper
- Seun Kolade (Author), 2016, Agricultural Production In Nigeria. A Review of Recent Developments in Policy and Practice, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/319352
