Abdulmalik Adetola Lawal
Research plays a fundamental role in improving agricultural productivity by developing new crop varieties that can withstand challenges such as pests, diseases, and climate change. Through agricultural research, scientists and institutions have been able to introduce high-yield, drought-resistant, and pest-tolerant seeds, which allow farmers to increase their crop yields even in unfavorable environmental conditions.
For example, organizations like the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) invest in rural people which enable them to enhance their food security, boost their families’ nutrition, and grow their incomes. They support them in building resilience, scaling their businesses, and taking control of their own development.
The development of Nigeria’s agricultural sub-sector is crucial for achieving meaningful and sustainable national progress. Agriculture plays a significant role in Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), providing employment to a large portion of the population and supplying raw materials to various agro-allied industries. However, Nigeria’s rapidly growing population is not matched by a corresponding increase in agricultural production. Persistent rural migration of able-bodied youth, malnutrition, unemployment, and inadequate access to basic necessities continue to pose significant challenges.
Agricultural policy cannot effectively achieve national development without the aid of research, with the context of development paradigms postulated in the field of agriculture, communication, sociology, and economics there is evidence to show that changes are taking place in the agricultural sector.
Research is a crucial driver of economic growth and development, with its significance spanning all stages of the policy-making process. Its role is especially vital in Nigeria, a developing nation with a rapidly growing population where agriculture serves as a cornerstone of the economy. Agriculture not only provides employment to approximately 70% of the population but also serves as the backbone of the country’s economic structure, supplying essential resources for agro-industries to thrive.
Through research, critical inputs, technologies, tools, and techniques are identified and developed, enabling solutions to challenges such as pests and diseases. It also leads to the creation of pest, disease, and drought-resistant crops, along with innovations in biotechnology derived from agricultural products. To achieve sustainable agriculture, it is essential to leverage research findings as a foundation for information, guiding regulations, and the formulation of effective policies.
In conclusion, research serves as a vital foundation for advancing Nigeria’s agricultural sector, enabling sustainable economic growth and development. With agriculture employing approximately 70% of Nigeria’s workforce and contributing over 22% to the country’s GDP, the role of research in driving innovation and solving critical issues like food security, pest control, and climate resilience cannot be overstated.
Data from the World Bank shows that agricultural productivity in Nigeria has grown at an average rate of only 1.2% per year, which is insufficient to meet the demands of a population growing at 2.6% annually. This underscores the urgent need for robust research to increase agricultural outputs and introduce innovative solutions, such as biotechnology and climate-adaptive crops, to boost productivity and ensure sustainable development. By investing in agricultural research, Nigeria can harness new technologies and practices, strengthening food security and propelling economic progress.