Policy dimensions of agricultural development in Nigeria

Agriculture has vital roles to play in the development of many Less Peveloped Countries, including Nigeria. It constitutes a source of factor endowment that can be tapped into to stimulate the much desired economic development. Unfortunately however, the sector has for much of the post independent life of the country, failed to significantly impact on the progress of the nation and the well being of its people, largely, according to many experts, due to the policy · course it has pursued since. Consequently, this paper reviews the thrusts of Nigeria's policy framework as they relate to the agricultural sector. It also provides an overview of the effects of these policies on the nation's agriculture and suggests probable policy choices that can help to move the nation's agricultural sector forward