Analytical overview of agricultural conditions in Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria is a tropical country with a population of over 135 million. Over 70% of the population are engaged in agriculture as their primary source of income and despite low investment by the previous governments, it still contributes over 39% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The large land mass, good soil and climatic conditions favour the growth of various crops during the year and the rearing of many animals. Food shortage is a major challenge to the present government apart from political disputes, disturbances in oil producing states in the Niger delta and poor funding of many other sectors particularly agriculture and education. Agricultural (including extension) policies over the years have been elaborate and attractive in most cases but they are only so on papers in the shelves in the government offices. Prospects for improvement and sustainable agricultural productivity exist because of the country's endowment in natural resources especially abundant uncultivated arable lands, favourable climate and soils that are improvable as well as large human labour. These resources if well integrated can help boost agricultural production in the country. The present status demands adequate and prompt attention by all three tiers of government in the country viz: Local, State and Federal governments.

The economic viability of commercial-scale hydroponics: Nigeria as a case study

“…The total annual rainfall is about 2,000 mm in the coastal zone (in the Niger Delta, it averages over 3,550 mm); but ranges from only 500 to 750 mm in the north. The southern regions of the country are more suitable for hydroponics due to the high relative humidity (≥60%) during greater parts of the year, February – to November [ 41 ]. Hence, crops can be grown all year round under minimum energy input.…”

Characterization and classification of rice-growing soils on Imo clay shale residua in Eastern Nigeria and current suitability for rice production: II. Anaku and Igbariam communities.

“…It is the complex interactions between the crops and those several factors and conditions in their environment that determine the performance of any crop. It has been established that Nigeria has all it takes to feed her citizens and place petroleum (crude oil) behind agriculture as a foreign exchange earner if land resources including soils are properly utilized (Asadu et al, 2012;Asadu, 2018).…”

A Note on Rainfall Variability and Trends in Nigeria: Implications for Agricultural Production

“…1 Thus, making rainfall the most crucial element of climate change and water resources potential in the country. But Nigeria has a tropical climate with variations in rainfall and temperature affected by the interaction between the moist southwest monsoon winds and the dry northeast trade winds (Asadu & Asadu 2015). This makes rainfall distribution patterns between the southern and northern regions of the country vary, as the northern region has lower rain than the southern region.…”