It does not need to be overemphasized that apart from petroleum products, agriculture has long been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy, providing employment, food, and income for millions of people. To many agricultural economists, the sector has the potential to drive economic growth, reduce poverty, and promote food security.
In the area of employment generation,agriculture is a significant source of employment in Nigeria, providing jobs for over 70% of the workforce, particularly in rural areas. The sector supports the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians, from farmers to traders and processors.
In Nigeria today, agriculture is a major source of foreign exchange earnings. It is an incontestable fact that
agriculture is a key contributor to Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings, with exports of cash crops such as cocoa, rubber, and cotton generating significant revenue. The sector has the potential to increase its contribution to foreign exchange earnings through increased production and export of commodities.
Nobody can deny the assertion that agriculture plays a critical role in ensuring food security in Nigeria. This is made possible by agriculture providing the bulk of the country’s food needs. Increased agricultural production can equally reduce reliance on imports and improve access to nutritious food for Nigerians.
In the area of Gross Domestic Products (GDP),
agriculture contributes significantly to Nigeria’s GDP, accounting for around 20% of the country’s GDP. The sector has the potential to increase its contribution to GDP through increased productivity and value-added processing.
Furthermore, agriculture provides raw materials for various industries, including textiles, food processing, and beverages. This can facilitate the development of agro-industries in Nigeria. Agro-industries can create new opportunities for economic growth and employment.
Perhaps one of the cardinal objectives of agriculture is its ability to engender rural development. Agriculture is a key driver of rural development because it provides income opportunities and improves the living standards in rural areas. Through such means, the sector can contribute to poverty reduction and improved welfare in rural communities as well as reduce significantly rural – urban migration.
It is imperative to opine that the government needs to be commended for its efforts at ensuring agriculture development in the country.It is on record that the government has initiated programmes to enhance agricultural production. The Nigerian government has launched several initiatives to promote agricultural development, including the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) and the Green Alternative: The Nigeria Agricultural Growth and Productivity Project (AGGP). These programmes have provided farmers with incentives to help them improve their capacities in agricultural productions.
Despite the inroads made,the agricultural sector is still faced with some challenges. Evidence abounds that the agricultural sector in Nigeria faces several challenges, including low productivity, inadequate infrastructure, and climate change. It is reasoned that addressing these challenges can unlock the sector’s full potential and contribute to economic growth.
Nigerian Horn, nonetheless, believes that agriculture has the potential to drive Nigeria’s economic growth, reduce poverty, and promote food security. With the right policies and investments, the sector can contribute to a more diversified and prosperous economy in Nigeria.
