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 kickstart 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.