Problems and Solutions of Agricultural Development in Nigeria

1. Land Tenure System:

Land tenureLand tenure means the act of acquiring land either by an individual, family, community or government, temporarily or permanently. It determines who can use land, for how long and under what... More simply means the ways of acquiring land in the societyThe term society is derived from the Latin word 'socius' meaning friendship or companionship. Society is a community, nation or group of people who share the same traditions, institutions, rules and... More. In Nigeria, most land is owned through inheritance which leads to land fragmentationLand fragmentation is defined as the division of land into discrete plots dispersed over a wide area but owned by a single household. In areas of high population density such as... More and cannot be pledged, sold or used as collateral by an individual. Population growth also affects the availability of land.

Land fragmentation can be defined as a situation where a farming household possesses several non-contiguous land plots, often scattered over a wide area. It is often viewed as an obstacle to agricultural productivity and modernization.

Solutions:

a. The land use Decree of 1978The land use Act of 1978 is a reform essentially aimed at encouraging proper, productive and efficient use of land. It abolished the existing land tenure systems and replaced them with... More should be fully implemented to allow individuals to own landed property, and use them for agricultural projects without fear of any embarrassment from the government.

b. Farmers should form cooperative societies for easy allocation of land.

c. Crop rotation should be practised by farmers.

d. Fertilizers and manure should be utilized to increase the production of crops in the available land.

2. Inadequate Finance or Credit:

Most subsistence farmers do not have the capital to acquire land, improved breeds of animals, plants and equipment.

Farmers also find it difficult to access bank loans because of a lack of collateral securities.

Solutions:

a. Government should provide agricultural loan facilities through Agricultural and cooperative Banks at low interest rates.

b. The government should also provide agricultural inputs at a subsidizedA subsidy is a benefit given by the government to groups or individuals, usually in the form of a cash payment or tax reduction. If something like food or petrol is... More rate for farmers.

c. Farmers should form cooperative societies for easy procurement of loans from commercial banks and other financial institutions.

d. Collateral securities should be in the form of guarantees rather than in material forms, like land and buildings.

3. Inadequate Basic Amenities:

Lack of basic amenities like electricity, pipe-borne water and proper health care makes able-bodied men and youth migrate from rural to urban areas in search of jobs.

Solutions: