Journal of Emerging Trends in Economics and Management Sciences: Home

Article Title:
The Challenges and Prospects of Agriculture, Rural Development and Agro-Industrial Promotion in Nigeria
by Ezeibe, Adaku Bridget Chidi

Abstract:
Over the past three decades, Nigeria had initiated a plethora of policies and programmes which were aimed at restoring agricultural sector to its pride of place in the economy. This is because agriculture contributes immensely to the Nigerian economy in various way namely, in the provision of food for the increasing population, supply of raw materials to the industrial sector, major source of employment, generation of foreign exchange earnings and provision of a market for the products of the industrial sector among others. Unfortunately various efforts at promoting investment and export diversification in the agricultural sector have not yielded appreciable dividend. This paper therefore examined the impact of agricultural development and the agro-industry on economic growth in Nigeria. It also observed the challenges facing agricultural development. In other words the sector strategies for development of small scale agro industry in rural areas were discussed. It therefore recommends that for the government(s) agricultural policies to achieve its target, there is need for an adequate level of strategically targeted investment in agriculture, upgrade rural infrastructure, boost productivity and increase competitiveness of the farm output. It concludes that rural development is imperative for improved agricultural growth and development in Nigeria.

Keywords: Agriculture, Agricultural Development, Rural Development and Agro-Industrial Promotion

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