(a) Outline the problems of agricultural development in Nigeria. (b) Suggest solutions to the problems outlined in (a) above.

Answer Details

(a) Problems of agricultural development in Nigeria

• Poor/traditional methods: reliance on crude tools (hoe and cutlass) and low technology gives low yields.
• Land tenure system: fragmented, communally owned holdings make large-scale mechanised farming difficult.
• Inadequate finance/credit: farmers lack capital and loans to buy inputs and machinery.
• Pests and diseases attack crops and livestock and reduce output.
• Poor storage and processing facilities, leading to heavy post-harvest losses.
• Unreliable rainfall and drought in the north, and flooding elsewhere.
• Poor transport and marketing, and low, fluctuating prices that discourage farmers.
• Rural-urban migration draining the young farm labour force, and shortage of extension services and improved inputs.

(b) Solutions to the problems

• Mechanise farming and supply improved seeds, fertilisers and modern tools to raise yields.
• Reform the land tenure system to allow access to larger farm holdings.
• Provide credit and finance through agricultural banks and government loan schemes.
• Control pests and diseases with chemicals, vaccination and research.
• Build storage, processing and preservation facilities to cut losses.
• Expand irrigation to overcome unreliable rainfall.
• Improve rural roads, transport and marketing, and guarantee fair prices.
• Strengthen extension services and training, and make farming attractive to check migration.