Posted by Chester Morton / Saturday 31 December 2016 / No comments
The factors that account for low agricultural production in Nigeria
FACTORS THAT ACCOUNT FOR LOW AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN NIGERIA
Lack of funds
Another major factor contributing
to low agricultural production in Nigeria is the absence of adequate financial
resources to invest in the venture. To be
able to produce much, the farmer must plough large tracks of land, acquire the
best seeds or seedlings, and apply fertilizer. All these require money which
the farmer may not have. Therefore he cannot produce as much as possible.
Absence of adequate credit
facilities from the banks
The banks in Nigeria are not too
willing to extend credit facility to the farmers. This is sometimes due to the
fact that they do not have the requisite guarantee or collateral. The banks
think that extending credit to the farmers is a risky venture so they are
reluctant to do so. This is also a problem affecting productivity in Nigeria.
The Rural-urban drift
The average Nigerian believes
that there are more opportunities in the cities than in the villages. This has
contributed to the movement of the young men from the villages to the cities
looking for jobs that are not available. The result is that the number of
people engaged in agriculture are becoming smaller and smaller. This is another
contributing factor to low agricultural productivity in Nigeria.
Small size of market for their
produce
The problem with the farmers is
that even after producing the food, they do not have a large and ready market
to sell them. This is especially so when there is a glut. Some farm produce are
left on the farms because there are no buyers. Even when the buyers eventually
come, they quote very ridiculous prices. No serious minded person is willing to
invest in such an area of industry.
Subsistence agriculture
Most Nigerians are still glued to
subsistence farming where they produce only to feed their families. The rest of
the people have to rely on the few commercial farmers in business or to depend
on imported processed food. This is another reason why Nigeria is not that
sufficient in her agricultural production.
Some Nigerian farmers suffer from
pest attacks which destroy their entire crop production. This constitutes a
disincentive to the farmer. There are also diseases that affect livestock.
Farmers can lose an entire stock of animals because of disease. When such
things happen, they bring the level of agricultural production down.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
1. Highlight six causes of low
agricultural production in your country.
