Reviewed by Omotolani Ajileye
Table of Contents
Agricultural Policies in Nigeria
An agricultural policy is a set of government decisions and programmes designed to guide and promote agricultural development. Nigeria has introduced different agricultural policies and programmes over time. Some important examples include:
1. Operation Feed the Nation (OFN)
The Operation Feed the Nation (OFN) programme was introduced by the Federal Government in 1976. Its main purpose was to increase food production and encourage Nigerians to take agriculture more seriously. The government recognised that Nigeria had enough land and labour to produce more food but that many farmers lacked modern inputs and support. The programme encouraged people, especially students, civil servants and other citizens, to participate in farming.
Under OFN, efforts were made to provide farmers with agricultural inputs such as improved seeds, fertilisers and extension services. The programme also attempted to increase public awareness about agriculture and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported food. OFN faced problems such as inadequate funding, poor implementation, insufficient infrastructure and limited participation by some groups. Despite these challenges, it drew national attention to the benefits of food production and agricultural development.
2. Green Revolution Programme
The Green Revolution Programme was introduced in 1979 to increase agricultural production and make Nigeria more self-sufficient in food. It was intended to replace the earlier Operation Feed the Nation programme and promote large-scale agricultural development.
The programme aimed to increase the production of food and cash crops through improved farming techniques, better access to agricultural inputs, mechanisation, irrigation and agricultural research. Government also encouraged farmers to use improved seeds and fertilisers. The programme did not achieve all its objectives because of problems such as inadequate implementation, poor rural infrastructure, insufficient finance, ineffective distribution of inputs and excessive government involvement. It demonstrated the importance of government intervention in agricultural production and food security.
3. Directorate of Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructure (DFRRI)
The Directorate of Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructure (DFRRI) was established in 1986. Its purpose was to improve the living and working conditions of people in rural areas, especially farming communities. The government recognised that agricultural development would be difficult if rural areas lacked basic infrastructure.
DFRRI concentrated on the provision and improvement of rural infrastructure such as roads, water supply and other facilities needed by rural communities. Good rural roads were important because farmers needed to transport crops from farms to markets. Better infrastructure could also encourage farmers to increase production because they would have easier access to markets. The programme experienced problems including inadequate funding, poor maintenance of projects and difficulties in implementing projects across widely scattered rural communities.
4. Agricultural Development Projects (ADPs)
The Agricultural Development Projects (ADPs) were introduced in Nigeria to improve agricultural production at the grassroots level. The projects focused on small-scale farmers, who make up a large proportion of Nigerian farmers.
A major feature of the ADPs was the provision of agricultural extension services. Extension officers worked with farmers and taught them improved methods of farming, including better planting techniques, use of improved seeds, fertiliser application, pest control and farm management. The projects also supported rural infrastructure and access to agricultural inputs. The ADPs helped bring agricultural development closer to farmers, although their effectiveness was sometimes limited by inadequate funding, shortage of extension personnel and poor infrastructure.
5. National Fadama Development Programme
The Fadama Development Programme was introduced to encourage the productive use of low-lying areas with access to water, commonly known as fadama areas. These areas are suitable for irrigation and dry-season farming.
The programme provided support to farmers and other rural users through infrastructure, irrigation-related development, agricultural equipment and community-based projects. It helped farmers increase production during periods when rainfall was inadequate. Fadama projects also encouraged farmers to diversify their activities beyond rain-fed agriculture. Challenges included difficulties in managing community projects, conflicts over the use of land and water resources, and problems with project implementation.
6. Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA)
The Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) was introduced by the Federal Government in 2011. Unlike policies that viewed agriculture mainly as a way of producing food, the ATA sought to treat agriculture as a business and a major source of economic growth.
The policy focused on transforming the agricultural value chain from production through processing, storage, transportation and marketing. It also aimed to increase farmers’ access to agricultural inputs, improve food production and encourage private-sector participation. The programme placed particular emphasis on crops considered important to Nigeria’s food security and agricultural economy. One of its important ideas was to reduce the weaknesses in the agricultural value chain so that farmers could earn more from their production. Implementation was affected by inadequate infrastructure, financing difficulties, insecurity and other structural problems in the agricultural sector.
7. Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (ACGSF)
The Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (ACGSF) was established in 1977 to encourage commercial banks to lend money to farmers and agricultural businesses. One of the major problems facing Nigerian agriculture is lack of affordable credit, for small-scale farmers.
Under the scheme, government provides a guarantee that reduces the risk faced by banks when lending to agricultural producers. This encourages financial institutions to provide loans for activities such as crop production, livestock farming, fisheries and agricultural processing. Access to credit allows farmers to purchase improved seeds, fertilisers, machinery and other inputs. Small-scale farmers still experience difficulties accessing formal credit because of collateral requirements, inadequate financial literacy and other lending conditions.
8. Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP)
The Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) was introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2015. Its purpose was to provide financing and agricultural inputs to smallholder farmers while connecting them with organisations that could purchase their output.
Under the programme, participating farmers receive support such as finance and inputs for agricultural production. They are then linked to an anchor, such as a processor or large-scale buyer, who can purchase their produce after harvest. The arrangement is intended to create a connection between farmers, finance, production, processing and markets. The programme was associated with efforts to increase domestic food production and reduce dependence on food imports. It has faced challenges including loan repayment problems, inadequate monitoring, climate-related difficulties and problems affecting agricultural production and marketing.
9. National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP)
The National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP) was developed as a more recent framework for agricultural development in Nigeria. It places emphasis on improving agricultural productivity through technology, innovation, investment and value addition.
The policy seeks to improve the entire agricultural value chain rather than focusing only on farming. This includes production, processing, storage, transportation, marketing and consumption. It also recognises the importance of private-sector investment, research and development, modern agricultural technology and greater participation by young people. The broader aim is to make Nigerian agriculture more productive, commercially viable and capable of contributing to food security, employment and economic growth.
Summary
Agricultural policies in Nigeria
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Operation Feed the Nation (OFN)
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Green Revolution Programme
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Directorate of Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructure (DFRRI)
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Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA)
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Anchor Borrowers’ Programme
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Modern agricultural policy approaches
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