THE ROLE OF AGRICULTURE IN THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF NIGERIA

Abstract

Nigeria is on its way to modern development. Branding itself as the “giant of Africaâ€, the country now needs to prove its potential by raising its standards to a level with other fast developing economies of the world. The vision 20-20-20 program this country is currently pursuing is a major step to achieve this goal. Nigeria, according to its seven point agenda, is focussing on developing agricultural as an important strategic move. This paper uses trend analysis in terms of a historical and current perspective and various descriptive methods to analyse the development of Nigeria through each decade since its independence in 1960 and examines the factors that have had an impact on its agricultural productivity. This will aid in describing and predicting the performance of the agricultural sector in Nigeria and as a result, the overall economic development of the country in the coming decade. This paper proves that an in-depth research on the development of the agricultural sector is essential to the progress of the country. Also, it is important to find out what has not worked previously and why, before taking any steps to develop the agriculture or the economy. The basis of this development should start with the empowerment of the poor.