Output response of staple food crops in Nigerian agriculture (1990 – 2005)

Abstract

This study examined the output response of staple food crops in Nigerian Agriculture from 1990 – 2005. Secondary data from the Central Bank of Nigeria statistical bulletin and those from the food and agriculture database as well as from the National Bureau of statistics were used for the analysis. The analysis include the exponential or log linear trend multiple regression. Output and time were all positive and significant atone percent. In the regression results, labour, fertilizer and land area cultivated were significant at various levels. However, land had a negative coefficient. The study recommended that the subsidy on fertilizer should be sustained in other to obtain the needed output from these staple crops. Educating farmers on the right use of fertilizer and extension agents trained and deployed to the rural areas will also be steps in the right direction.