Discuss eight problems of agricultural development in Nigeria and suggest one possible solution to each of the problems
Explanation
The problems of agricultural development in Nigeria and one possible solution each are
(i) Inadequate land: The type of land tenure system, increasing population in Nigeria and deforestation do not make land available for agriculture. Solution: The government should implement the land use decree of 1978
(ii) Poor storage and processing facilities: These facilities are inadequate, costly, scarce and these eventually reduce the quality and quantity of agricultural produce. Solution: Government should provide storage and processing facilities at subsidised rate.
(iii) Lack of finance: Farmers do not have access to loan. They lack collateral security and the interest rate is very high. These prevent development of agriculture. Solution: Interest rate charged by banks should be reduced so that farmers can borrow money.
(iv) Inadequate farm input: Farm inputs are also scarce, inadequate, expensive and most farmers lack the technical know - how to operate them hence low agricultural procutivity. Solution: Government should reduce the cost of of farm inputs.
(v) Poor transportation Network; Most farms are not easily accessible; roads are bad coupled with lack of vehicles and high cost of transportation and these hinder agricultural development. Solution: Government Should construct good roads in rural areas
(vi) Lack of basic amenities: Social amenities like electricity, pipe borne water, health care services etc are lacking in rural areas and these affect agricultural production. Solution: Government through DFRRI should provide these amenities in rural areas.
(vii) Inadequate agricultural education and extension services: Most farmers are illiterate, conservative and crude. Extension officers are inadequate and inefficient hence, low agricultural productivity. Solution: Mass literacy campaign should be launched where farmers can be trained in modern method of farming.
(viii) Poor marketing system: There is no organised marketing system for farm produce. Produce are sold immediately after harvesting. Solution: Government agencies should buy produce from farmers and store for future consumption.