Agriculture as Catalyst for Niger State Economic Development

Abstract

Nigeria is an agricultural based country and significant part of its citizen derives their livelihood from it. There is thus the need for strong agricultural development along with related industries as an engine of higher economic growth and the reduction of mass poverty. This study however viewed agriculture as sources of surpluses to support industrialization, dynamic growth, employment, and better income distribution. It highlights on the potentials and challenges of agriculture in Niger State and proposed strategies that can lead to agricultural growth and economic development of the state. Niger state being a major producer of food crops, fisheries, livestock and tree crops; the agricultural activities are characterised by low productivity and inefficiencies due to small and scattered farms, poor use of technology and institutional support. This study proposes different strategies to kick-start agricultural growth and economic development of Niger state, mainly includes agricultural commodity and land development strategy, creation of agricultural land development agency to develop and manage small holding farm settlement schemes across the state to create employment for youth as full time farmers, and technology driven agricultural production strategy among others. The study therefore recommends 4 percent of State Budget for Agriculture and other funding options for the proposed agricultural transformation strategies.