AGRICULTURAL SECTOR SUSTAINABILITY IN NIGERIA; CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

TOPIC: AGRICULTURAL SECTOR SUSTAINABILITY IN NIGERIA; CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES (2015-2024)

TOPIC IS SUITABLE FOR: 
1. Department of Agricultural Economics

2. Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development

3. Department of Agricultural Science

This research material contains:

1-Chapter One to Five

2-Recent References/citations

3-Tables/Charts/Graphs in Chapter Four

4-Accurate Data Analysis

5-Table of Contents

6-Questionnare

ABSTRACT
This study investigated Agricultural Sector Sustainability in Nigeria: Challenges and Opportunities (2015–2024). The study specifically was carried out to examine the nature of Agricultural sector in Nigeria, evaluate the various strategies adapted by the government in enhancing sustainable Agricultural development in Nigeria, analyse the impact of the adopted strategies in the Agricultural sector, identify the inhibiting factors to sustainable Agricultural development in Nigeria and recommend strategies for achieving the sustainability of Nigeria’s agricultural sector. The population of the study comprises of farmers actively engaged in various agricultural practices within Benue State, Nigeria. The Taro Yamane formula was used to determine the sample size of 175 participants, while the multi-stage sampling technique was adopted to select the respondents. The major method of data collection was self-constructed questionnaire. A total of 175 copies was distributed while 170 was retrieved and validated for data analysis. The collected and validated questionnaires were analyzed using frequency tables and mean scores. The findings revealed the significant role of agriculture in Nigeria, emphasizing its contribution to rural livelihoods and GDP while facing challenges such as traditional farming practices, low productivity, and reliance on rain-fed systems. The study revealed Government strategies to enhance agricultural development, to include subsidies, credit access, training programs, and improved infrastructure, were found effective in increasing productivity, market access, and food security. Despite these efforts, factors like poor infrastructure, climate change, inconsistent policies, and limited access to inputs continue to impede sustainable agricultural growth. Therefore, the study recommended that the government should increase investment in agricultural infrastructure, including rural roads, irrigation systems, and storage facilities, to enhance productivity and market access. To mention but few.

Keywords: Agricultural Sustainability, Agricultural Development, Government Strategies, Food Security, Benue State

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION (Preview)
1.1 Background to the Study
In emerging economies, agriculture is tied with the various sectors and is essential for generating growth necessary for development. This is so because, the way and manner the societies succeed in increasing agricultural production according Ndor, Bawa, & Mensah (2020), is the degree they define themselves. Somadina & Ayode (2023) outlined that agriculture is fundamental to the sustenance of life and is the bedrock of economic development, especially in the provision of adequate and nutritional food vital for human survival, development and materials for industry. It is then divided into crop production, forestry, livestock, and fishing.

In Nigeria, agriculture has historically played a central role in Nigeria’s socio-economic development. Prior to the discovery of crude oil in the 1950s, Adegbite & Machethe (2020) averred that agriculture was the backbone of the Nigerian economy, contributing significantly to GDP, employment, and foreign exchange earnings. Cash crops such as cocoa, palm oil, groundnuts, and rubber were major export commodities, while subsistence farming provided food security for the population. During this period, Nigeria was self-sufficient in food production and a leading exporter of agricultural products in the global market. In the account of Sodiq & Yakubu (2020), there was sustained emphasis on agriculture to the extent that Nigeria was a major exporter of such agricultural products as palm produce, cocoa, groundnut, cotton and rubber. In addition to these cash crops, the national agricultural system was able to produce enough of food crops like yam, cassava, maize, millet, sorghum and soya beans to the extent that there was almost no need for food importation. Hitherto, agriculture accounted for over 60% of the Nation ‘s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

However, with the advent of petroleum in the early 1970s, petroleum became the country ‘s major foreign exchange earner and agriculture became grossly neglected. Onyeneke & Nwanebo (2019) reckoned that the advent of oil exploration in the 1970s marked a turning point, where over-reliance on oil revenues caused a shift in government priorities, reducing investment in agricultural infrastructure, research, and extension services. Ukpabi & Nnamai (2020) highlighted that Nigeria's agricultural sector during the oil reliance decade (1970s to 2000s) faced significant constraints that continues to hamper its sustainability and growth. These include outdated farming practices, insufficient infrastructure, limited access to finance, and the impact of climate change on crop yields and production cycles. This lingered situation has contributed to the gradual decline in agricultural productivity and food security.

Retrogressively, in 2013, the agriculture sector contributed about 22% of Nigeria's GDP, while crude oil contributed 14%, telecommunications 9%, and manufacturing 7% (Amuda, 2023). Services, telecommunications, finance, and construction contribute about 52% of the GDP, and in 2016, the agriculture sector contributed 24.18% of the GDP, more than oil and manufacturing combined (FAO, 2023). Despite agriculture's diminished role, its importance to Nigeria's economic revival cannot be overstated. The agricultural sector remains the largest employer of labor, engaging about 70% of the rural population, and contributed 24.14% to the GDP in 2022, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO, 2023). Onome & Offiong (2024) reckoned that between 2015 and 2024, issues such as food insecurity, poor agricultural productivity, and vulnerability to climate change h dominated the sector. The reliance on rain-fed agriculture, coupled with insufficient implementation of policies and inadequate infrastructure, has resulted in stagnation, leaving smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of the sector, particularly vulnerable. In addition, Nigeria's agricultural system remains prone to external shocks, including global economic disruptions and internal conflicts, which have further destabilized the sector (FAO, 2023; IISD, 2022).

Amuda (2023) reinstate that once the mainstay of the Nigerian economy, agriculture has been overshadowed by the petroleum industry, which currently contributes over 65% of national revenues and 95% of foreign exchange earnings. This dependency on oil has not only stifled agricultural growth but also increased the country’s vulnerability to global oil price fluctuations, leading to economic instability. The neglect of agriculture has resulted in food insecurity, high unemployment rates, and rural poverty, particularly among smallholder farmers who constitute the bulk of the agricultural workforce (FAO, 2023). Even though the sector has been plagued by persistent inefficiencies, opportunities exist to transform the sector. By addressing historical failures, harnessing technological advancements, and implementing inclusive policies, the sector can transform into a major driver of economic growth.

1.2 Statement of the problem

It is without that that despite its historical significance, agricultural sector in Nigeria has witnessed a steady decline in productivity and relevance. For instance, Davison & Jerome (2022) in their study observed that reliance on rain-fed agriculture exposes farmers to unpredictable weather patterns, resulting in frequent crop failures and reduced yields. Jellason & Maxwell (2021) said that climate change has compounded these challenges, altering rainfall patterns and increasing the frequency of extreme weather events such as droughts and floods. These environmental disruptions have negatively impacted crop yields and livestock production, exacerbating food insecurity and economic instability in rural areas. Additionally, the lack of storage and processing facilities leads to post-harvest losses, estimated at 20–30% annually. Jellason & Maxwell (2021)  also pointed  the absence of effective land tenure systems and inadequate access to financing have hindered smallholder farmers from adopting modern farming techniques, further limiting productivity.

Away from natural and famer related limitations, Özkan & Fawole (2021) contend that failed government policies have impeded agricultural growth. For example, the Green Revolution initiative of the 1980s, designed to increase food production, fell short due to poor implementation, corruption, and a lack of sustained political will. Similarly, the National Accelerated Food Production Program (NAFPP), launched in the 1970s, failed to achieve its objectives due to poor coordination among stakeholders and a lack of incentives for smallholder farmers. These failures highlight the need for more coherent and inclusive policies to address systemic issues in the sector.  Onyeneke et al., (2019) suggest that one major issue is the failure of past government policies aimed at revitalizing the sector. As these policy failures left the sector ill-equipped to meet the growing demand for food and agricultural products.

In recent times, to ameliorate these challenges, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of sustainability in agriculture. Sustainable agricultural practices are essential for mitigating environmental degradation, adapting to climate change, and improving rural livelihoods. According to FAO (2023), sustainable agriculture integrates modern farming techniques with traditional knowledge, ensuring minimal environmental impact while maximizing productivity. This approach promotes efficient use of natural resources, such as soil and water, and emphasizes eco-friendly practices, such as organic farming and reduced chemical use. According to Adegbite & Machethe, (2020), sustainable agriculture is the farming system that is closest to natural processes, minimizes waste, does less damage to the environment, and yet is still profitable. When a farm system is sustainable, the product of the farm will be nutritious and not contaminated by substances that may be unsafe for humans to consume.

Bizarrely, Nigeria’s sustainability efforts have been sporadic at best, with limited adoption of technology and low levels of investment in environmentally friendly practices. Consequently, food security remains precarious, with 25.3 million Nigerians projected to face acute food insecurity in 2023 (IISD, 2022). The current push for a sustainable agricultural sector in Nigeria stems from its potential to address key issues such as unemployment, rural-urban migration, and food insecurity. Studies have shown that sustainable agricultural practices can enhance productivity, improve farmers' incomes, and promote resilience against climate change (Jellason et al., 2021). For instance, agroforestry, organic farming, and climate-smart agriculture have proven effective in improving soil fertility and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Despite these opportunities, their adoption in Nigeria remains limited due to high initial costs, a lack of technical knowledge, and policy inconsistencies.

Contrarily, Mannaseh & Otobong averred that, for Nigeria to achieve similar success, it must address the structural barriers impeding growth and establish an enabling environment for public-private partnerships. Nigeria's agricultural sector is yet to fully tap into global opportunities, such as export-driven agribusiness and value-added processing. Countries like Kenya and Ghana have demonstrated how targeted investments in export-oriented agriculture can boost national revenue and create jobs (Ndor et al., 2020). Özkan & Fawole (2021) in their study highlighted that opportunities abound to transform the sector especially, the integration of modern technologies, such as precision farming and digital tools, offers a pathway to enhanced productivity and efficiency. As established in the study of Okahilome & Edosan (2019), collaborative efforts between the government, private sector, and international organizations can address systemic challenges, promote innovation, and attract investment in the agricultural value chain. If these opportunities are effectively harnessed, agriculture can reclaim its position as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy, ensuring food security and sustainable development for the nation. This study aims to explore the challenges and opportunities for achieving agricultural sustainability in Nigeria.

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The overall aim of this study is to critically assess the agricultural sector sustainability in Nigeria; challenges and opportunities (2015-2024). Specifically, the study seeks to;

i.Examine the nature of Agricultural sector in Nigeria.

ii.Evaluate the various strategies adapted by the government in enhancing sustainable Agricultural development in Nigeria.

iii.Analyze the impact of the adopted strategies in the Agricultural sector.

iv.Identify the inhibiting factors to sustainable Agricultural development in Nigeria.

v.To recommend strategies for achieving the sustainability of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Other parts of chapter one include:
1.4 Research Question

1.5 Significance Of The Study

1.6 Scope Of The Study

1.7 Operational Definition of Terms

CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF LITERATURE (Preview)
This chapter critically examines relevant literature that would assist in explaining the research problem and, furthermore, recognizes the efforts of scholars who had previously contributed immensely to similar research. The chapter intends to deepen the understanding of the study and close the perceived gaps. This chapter therefore focuses on the concept of agriculture, agricultural sector in Nigeria, effects of agricultural sector on the Nigerian economy, etc. The chapter is sub-grouped into the following major headings:
Conceptual Framework

Theoretical Framework

Empirical Review

Appraisal of Reviewed Literature

CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY (Preview)
Presented below is a snapshot of key areas of the study methodology, the full and detail chapter three methodology is contained in the instant download document.

Research Design: The study adopted a descriptive research design.

Population of the Study: The population of the study comprises farmers actively engaged in various agricultural practices within Benue State, Nigeria.

Sample Size Determination: The study adopted the Taro Yamane formula to determine a sample size of 175 participants.

Sampling Technique: The study employed a stratified sampling technique to select various cooperatives and a convenience sampling technique to select the individual respondents.

Research Instrument: The study utilized a self-developed structured questionnaire as the instrument for data collection.

Methods of Data Analysis: The collected data were analyzed using frequency tables and mean scores to summarize and present the demographic characteristics of the respondents and their responses.
Full outline for chapter three;
3.1 Research Design

3.2 Population of the Study

3.3 Sample and Sampling Techniques

3.4 Instrument for Data Collection

3.5 Validity of the Instrument

3.6 Reliability of the Instrument

3.7 Procedure for Data Collection

3.8 Method of Data Analysis

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION 
MAJOR FINDINGS (Preview)
The analysis results were presented in tables and charts. Based on the results obtained from the analysis, the following major findings were made:

i. The study found that the agricultural sector in Nigeria plays a significant role in rural livelihoods and economic development, while being characterized by traditional farming methods, low productivity, limited access to modern equipment, dependence on rain-fed agriculture, and small-scale farming. This is evidenced by a mean range of 3.16–3.38 and a grand mean of 3.29, which is above the acceptance benchmark of 2.50. This implies that although agriculture remains an important contributor to livelihoods and the economy, the sector requires modernization, improved technology adoption, and climate-resilient farming practices to enhance its productivity and sustainability.

ii. The study found that the government has adopted various strategies to enhance sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria, including agricultural input subsidies, farmer training programmes, irrigation schemes, access to credit, rural road development, agricultural research funding, private-sector participation, and extension services. This is evidenced by a mean range of 3.15–3.36 and a grand mean of 3.25, which is above the acceptance benchmark of 2.50. This implies that the government has adopted a multifaceted approach to agricultural development, although sustained implementation and wider coverage are necessary to improve its effectiveness.

iii. The study found that government interventions have positively impacted the agricultural sector through improved farm productivity, market access, farmers' income, adoption of modern farming techniques, irrigation facilities, access to credit, awareness of sustainable farming practices, and food security. This is evidenced by a mean range of 3.11–3.29 and a grand mean of 3.20, which is above the acceptance benchmark of 2.50. This implies that government agricultural strategies have contributed positively to agricultural development, although further efforts are required to strengthen their reach and sustainability.

iv. The study found that sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria is hindered by inadequate access to agricultural financing, poor infrastructure, climate change, pests and diseases, limited access to quality inputs, inconsistent government policies, land tenure challenges, and low literacy levels among farmers. This is evidenced by a mean range of 3.21–3.50 and a grand mean of 3.36, which is above the acceptance benchmark of 2.50. This implies that these challenges constitute significant barriers to agricultural sustainability and require deliberate policy interventions, improved infrastructure, accessible financing, and stronger institutional support.

v. The study found that achieving sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria requires improved access to agricultural financing, investment in rural infrastructure, promotion of climate-smart agricultural practices, expansion of farmer training programmes, supportive long-term policies, increased youth participation, investment in research and innovation, and stronger agricultural cooperatives. This is evidenced by a mean range of 3.37–3.58 and a grand mean of 3.46, which is above the acceptance benchmark of 2.50. This implies that sustainable agricultural development requires a comprehensive and long-term approach that combines financial support, infrastructure development, capacity building, innovation, and effective policy implementation.

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This chapter covers the following outline:

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Summary Of The Study

5.3 Limitations of Study

5.4 Conclusion

5.5 Recommendations

5.6 Suggestions for Further Research

Reference
Appendix

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