Importance of Agriculture

This can be grouped into three major categories:

A. To the Individual or Farmer:

1. A source of food.

2. Provides primary products such as yam, grains, milk and others for home consumption.

3. Generation of income for farmers: Most farmers sell their produce to earn cash, which is used to pay taxes, school fees, health bills and others.

4. Employment for the working population: Agriculture provides employment for people both on the farm and in industry.

5. Provision of materials for shelter.

6. Agriculture provides materials for essentials for building and construction, such as poles, doors, windows and floors. 

7. It also provides materials for furniture such as cabinets, chairs and beds.

8. Provision of materials for clothing provides fibre and cotton for textile production. Hides and skin for clothing, shoes, belts, caps and bags. Wool (from sheep) and silk for clothing.

9. It is estimated that 70% of Nigerians are engaged in agriculture as a primary occupation.

B. Importance of Agriculture to Society or Community:

1. Development of Towns:

• Development occurs where commercial agriculture exists as social amenitiesSocial amenities, or public amenities, refer to places, buildings or infrastructural facilities which are to be shared and to become convergence spots for the local and surrounding communities. Examples include good... More like electricity and pipe borne-water will be provided.

• Result in the establishment of agro-based industries

2. Provision of facilities for Recreation and Tourism:

• It leads to the establishment of game reserves.

• Provides horses for horse racing and polo.

C. Importance of Agriculture to Nation:

1. Source of Foreign Exchange Earnings:

Through the export of agricultural produce like cocoa, kola nut, groundnut, palm produce, cotton, cassava products and others, a nation can earn foreign exchange for national development.

2. Provision of Market for Industrial Goods:

Agriculture provides a market for industrial products such as farm machinery, chemicals and fertilizers.

3. Generation of Revenue:

The government receives a lot of revenue from the export of Agricultural products through export duties and taxes.

4. Provision of Raw Materials for Industries:

Agriculture supplies several industries with raw materials for continuous existence. Industries, which depend on agriculture for their raw materials, are called agro-based or agro-allied industries.

Examples of Agro-based industries and materials used in such industries are;

• The Beverage Industry: depends on cocoa and coffee for the production of food drinks such as bournvita, milo, ovaltine and tea.

• Plastic Industry: depends on natural rubber for the production of tyres, plastic plates, and plastic buckets.

Evaluation Questions (Theory):