Tropical Agriculture: Problems and Possible Solutions in Nigeria

Abstract

Tropical agriculture is a major source of food, fiber and raw materials for human life. This paper analyzed major problems of tropical agriculture (physical, economical, ecological or biotic, social and political problems) focusing specifically on Nigeria in terms of cause and effect and arrived at identifying possible agricultural management techniques, which provide viable solutions to the problem. Climate, deficient soil fertility, soil erosion, availability of animal feeds, rural agricultural indebtedness, price fluctuations, pests and diseases, plant diseases, weeds, land tenure and inheritance system, religion, use of crude implements, communication, pollution and agricultural technology and political instability and conflict emergency has broadly characterized tropical agriculture practices in the nation. However, along with the solutions provided in this paper, Nigeria could still embark on sustainable production in agriculture. For instance, the use of crude implements and lack of skilled agricultural techniques has subjected farming operations to subsistence practice. Mechanized farming and its regulatory mechanisms adopted in the country through the operations of the Agricultural Development Project (ADP) have been found ineffective because of the prevailing factors such as physical, biotic, cultural and social factors. This paper, therefore recommends among other things, the adoption of a gradual adaptation mechanism to bring about many changes in the types of crops grown and the methods of farming employed and public awareness through which the farmers will be sensitized to know what constitutes setback in agricultural practice in general.