COMMUNITY AND AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA
1Poroma, Celestine Lekia 2Nduonofit, Nkechi Vivian 3Nduonofit, Larry-love Effiong
1Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Rivers State
2Stallion Nigeria Limited, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
3Department of SociologyUniversity of Port Harcourt,Rivers State, Nigeria
E-mail: Wiselover395@yahoo.com; porocele@yahoo.com; nklurv@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Pre-colonial Nigeria economy was dominated by agriculture, and even after decolonization, agriculture continued to thrive, and accounted for over 65% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product providing employment for virtually over 85% of the entire population. Agriculture’s relevance in Nigeria’s economy began to take the back seat in the development equation in late 70’s and 80’s regardless of the numerous agro-policies instituted by the government. Today, as the contributions of agriculture recedes; no fewer than 55% of the populations are employed in the sector. As a result, food production and food sufficiency has continuously become a critical challenge, leading to dependence on food import. Thus, the paper examines the interface between community development and agricultural development in Nigeria, taking into consideration two agricultural policies of the Federal Government, viz; Green Revolution and the New Nigerian Agricultural Policy. It is argued here that poor agricultural development and the failure of agricultural programmes in Nigeria simply lies in the bosom of the neglect of the rural community in agricultural development decision – making. The study relies heavily on the utilization of extant literature. The study has shown that community participation in decision making with regards to crops production and location is quintessential to boost food self – sufficiency. Amongst others, the study recommends that a dynamic approach of community participation should be encouraged in the community based agricultural and rural development programme (CBARDP) to enhance as well as boost the development of agriculture and food production in Nigeria.
Key Words: Community, Agriculture, Community development, Nigeria, food import, food sufficiency.