Theory question 105
Nigeria: People and Economy(a) Outline five problems of agricultural development in Nigeria. (b) Suggest solutions to the problems outlined in 5(a) above.
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(a) Inadequate capital and credit for farmers; poor (crude) farming tools and low mechanisation; poor rural roads and storage, so crops rot; land tenure system and fragmented holdings; pests and diseases; soil infertility and erosion; unreliable rainfall, floods and drought; rural-urban migration of youths; poor pricing and marketing; low use of fertilisers and improved seeds; insecurity (farmer-herder conflict).
(b) Give farmers loans and grants (agricultural banks); supply tractors and modern tools; build rural roads, storage and processing facilities; reform land tenure (Land Use Act, consolidation); provide pesticides and veterinary services; use fertilisers and crop rotation; irrigation; provide rural amenities to keep youths; guaranteed prices and marketing boards; extension services and research.
Match each solution to a problem.