Meaning/Definition of Agricultural Development | The Roles of Government in Agricultural Development | Meaning/Definition of Agricultural Polices and Programmes | Major Agricultural Policies and Programmes SS 1 – Agricultural Science
AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE
CLASS – SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL (SSS 1)
THEME: BASIC CONCEPTS
PREVIOUS LESSON – Agricultural Science Plan Lesson Notes for Senior Secondary Schools – SSS 1
TOPIC – AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
LEARNING AREA
1. Meaning/Definition of Agricultural Development
2. The Roles of Government in Agricultural Development
3. Meaning/Definition of Agricultural Polices and Programmes
4. Major Agricultural Policies and Programmes
5. Lesson Evaluation and Weekly Assessment (Test)
PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
By the end of the lesson, most of the students should have attained the following objectives –
1. State the role of government in agricultural development.
2. Explain agricultural policy and agricultural programme.
3. Discuss past and present Agricultural programmes and policies of government.
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
The teacher will teach the lesson with the aid of copy of the Nigerian Agricultural Policy and flyers of some agricultural programmes and projects.
METHOD OF TEACHING
Choose a suitable and appropriate methods for the lessons.
Note – Irrespective of choosing methods of teaching, always introduce an activities that will arouse pupil’s interest or lead them to the lessons.
REFERENCE MATERIALS
1. Scheme of Work
2. National Curriculum SSS Classes
3. Course Book
4. All Relevant Material
5. Online Information
CONTENT OF THE LESSON
MEANING OF AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
Agricultural development is the process of improving and advancing the agricultural sector to increase productivity, efficiency, and sustainability. This includes initiatives and strategies aimed at promoting technology adoption, enhancing infrastructure, providing access to financial resources, developing markets, and improving the overall productivity and well-being of farmers. Ultimately, agricultural development seeks to ensure food security, alleviate poverty, and promote economic growth in rural communities.
In Nigeria, agricultural development is the initiatives, policies, and programs put in place by the government and other stakeholders to improve the agricultural sector in the country. This includes efforts to increase agricultural productivity, promote modern farming techniques, provide access to markets and financing for farmers, improve infrastructure such as irrigation systems and storage facilities, and address challenges such as land degradation and climate change.
Agricultural development in Nigeria is crucial for the country’s economy, as agriculture is a major source of livelihood for a significant portion of the population. It is also important for ensuring food security, reducing poverty, and promoting sustainable economic growth. The government has implemented various agriculture-related policies and programs, such as the Agricultural Transformation Agenda, the Anchor Borrowers’ Program, and the Green Alternative, to promote agricultural development in Nigeria.
The process creates the conditions for the fulfilment of agricultural potential and these conditions include the accumulation of knowledge and availability of technology as well as the allocation of inputs and output.
ROLES OF GOVERNMENT IN AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
The government plays a crucial role in agricultural development in Nigeria through various means. These roles are aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing food security, reducing poverty, and stimulating economic growth in the country. Some of the key roles of the government in agricultural development in Nigeria include:
1. Policy Formulation – The government is responsible for formulating policies and strategies that support the growth and development of the agricultural sector. This includes setting priorities, regulations, and incentives to promote agricultural production, value addition, and market access.
2. Provision of Agricultural Extension Services – The government provides agricultural extension services to farmers to disseminate information on modern farming techniques, best practices, and new technologies. This helps farmers improve their productivity and profitability.
3. Infrastructure Development – The government invests in infrastructure such as roads, irrigation systems, storage facilities, and market facilities to improve the agricultural value chain and ensure that farmers have access to markets and inputs.
4. Access to Finance – The government provides financial support to farmers through various programs such as the Anchor Borrowers’ Program and the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme to improve access to credit and financing for agricultural activities.
5. Research and Development – The government supports research and development in the agricultural sector to develop new technologies, improve crop varieties, and address challenges such as pests, diseases, and climate change.
6. Market Development – The government works to improve market linkages for farmers by facilitating access to domestic and international markets, promoting value addition, and enhancing market information systems.
7. Capacity Building – The government invests in training and capacity building programs for farmers, agribusinesses, and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector to improve skills, knowledge, and productivity.
MEANING/DEFINITION OF AGRICULTURAL POLICY AND PROGRAMMES
Agricultural policy and programs in Nigeria refer to the set of rules, regulations, strategies, and initiatives put in place by the government to guide and promote the development of the agricultural sector in the country. These policies and programs are designed to address various issues such as improving agricultural productivity, ensuring food security, enhancing market access, promoting value addition, and supporting the overall growth and sustainability of the agricultural sector.
Agricultural policies and programs in Nigeria play a vital role in shaping the direction and development of the agricultural sector, driving economic growth, reducing poverty, and ensuring food security for the country’s population.
Agricultural policies typically outline the government’s priorities, goals, and strategies for the agricultural sector, while agricultural programs are specific initiatives and actions taken to implement these policies. These policies and programs are developed and implemented by government agencies, such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in collaboration with other stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.
EXAMPLES OF AGRICULTURAL POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES IN NIGERIA – THE PRESENT
The examples of agricultural policies and programmes in Nigeria are as follows –
1. THE AGRICULTURAL TRANSFORMATION AGENDA (ATA)
The Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) is a strategic initiative launched in Nigeria in 2011 with the aim of transforming the country’s agricultural sector and promoting sustainable economic growth. The ATA focuses on increasing agricultural productivity, improving food security, creating jobs, and reducing poverty through the implementation of various policies and programs. The goal of the ATA is to transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector into a modern, efficient, and sustainable industry that can drive economic growth and development in the country.
The key components of the ATA include:
1. Improving access to inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and technology for farmers.
2. Promoting the adoption of modern farming practices and techniques.
3. Enhancing agricultural value chains and promoting agribusiness development.
4. Building infrastructure such as irrigation systems, roads, and storage facilities to support agricultural activities.
5. Strengthening agricultural research and extension services.
6. Encouraging private sector investment in agriculture.
2. THE GROWTH ENHANCEMENT SUPPORT SCHEME (GESS)
The Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS) is a key component of Nigeria’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) that was launched in 2012. The scheme is aimed at improving farmers’ access to agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, seeds, and agro-chemicals by providing them with electronic vouchers that can be redeemed at designated agro-dealers.
Through the GESS, smallholder farmers in Nigeria are able to purchase quality agricultural inputs at subsidized rates, which helps to increase their productivity and profitability. The scheme also aims to address the challenges of inefficient distribution of inputs, corruption, and lack of transparency in the agricultural sector.
The key features of the GESS include:
1. Registration of farmers to participate in the program
2. Distribution of electronic vouchers to registered farmers
3. Redemption of vouchers at approved agro-dealer outlets
4. Monitoring and evaluation of the program to ensure its effectiveness and impact
3. THE ANCHOR BORROWERS’ PROGRAM
The Anchor Borrowers’ Program (ABP) is another initiative under Nigeria’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) which was launched by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2015. The program aims to provide financial support to smallholder farmers in Nigeria by linking them directly to anchor companies or aggregators who serve as off-takers for their agricultural produce.
The Anchor Borrowers’ Program has played a significant role in boosting agricultural production and economic development in Nigeria, and it is considered a key initiative in the government’s efforts to transform the agricultural sector and promote sustainable food security in the country.
The key features of the Anchor Borrowers’ Program include:
1. Provision of loans to farmers at low interest rates to finance their agricultural activities
2. Partnership with anchor companies who provide technical support, inputs, and access to markets for the farmers
3. Monitoring and evaluation of the program to ensure its effectiveness and impact on smallholder farmers.
4. THE LIVESTOCK TRANSFORMATION AGENDA
The Livestock Transformation Agenda is a government initiative aimed at modernizing and improving the livestock sector in Nigeria. It seeks to promote sustainable livestock production, increase productivity, and enhance the overall growth and development of the livestock industry.
The Livestock Transformation Agenda seeks to transform the livestock sector into a vibrant and sustainable industry that contributes significantly to the country’s economy and food security. By implementing strategic reforms and investments, the government aims to create a conducive environment for growth and development in the livestock sector.
The components of the Livestock Transformation Agenda include:
1. Promoting modern livestock production techniques: The agenda focuses on introducing modern farming practices and technologies to improve livestock production efficiency.
2. Encouraging private sector investment: The government is actively seeking private sector partnerships to invest in the livestock sector and help drive growth and development.
3. Implementing animal health and disease control programs: The agenda includes measures to improve animal health and disease control practices to ensure the quality and safety of livestock products.
4. Promoting value addition and processing: The agenda aims to promote value addition and processing of livestock products to increase their market value and boost income for stakeholders.
5. Enhancing livestock marketing and distribution: The agenda includes initiatives to improve marketing and distribution channels for livestock products, both domestically and internationally.
5. THE NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL LAND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (NALDA)
The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) is a government agency in Nigeria that is responsible for promoting agricultural land development and improving food security in the country. NALDA was established in 1992 but was recently revived in 2020 to play a more active role in revitalizing the agricultural sector.
NALDA plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable agricultural development, increasing food production, and enhancing food security in Nigeria. Through its initiatives and programs, the agency contributes to the government’s efforts to transform the agriculture sector and improve the livelihoods of farmers across the country.
The key objectives of NALDA are a follow –
1. Reclaiming and developing agricultural lands for farming purposes.
2. Promoting youth involvement in agriculture through various programs and initiatives.
3. Improving the productivity and profitability of farming activities.
4. Providing technical support and training to farmers.
5. Facilitating access to agricultural inputs, equipment, and markets.
EXAMPLES OF AGRICULTURAL POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES IN NIGERIA – THE PAST
1. NATIONAL ACCELERATED FOOD PRODUCTION PROGRAMME (NAFPP) 1972 – 1973
The National Accelerated Food Production Programme (NAFPP) is an agricultural intervention program in Nigeria aimed at increasing food production and ensuring food security in the country. The program was launched in 2002 by the Nigerian government to address the challenges of food insufficiency and insecurity. The policy goal of NAFPP was to make Nigeria self-sufficient in food production. Consequently, land reform and mass literacy policies were recommended for farmers.
NAFPP focuses on various aspects of agriculture, including crop production, livestock farming, fisheries, and agribusiness. The main objectives of the program include:
1. Increasing agricultural productivity through the adoption of modern farming techniques and technologies.
2. Providing support and incentives to smallholder farmers to boost food production.
3. Enhancing the capacity of farmers through training, extension services, and access to inputs and credit facilities.
4. Promoting value addition and agribusiness development to create employment opportunities and increase farmers’ income.
5. Improving the distribution and marketing of agricultural products to ensure food accessibility and affordability.
2. OPERATION FEED THE NATION (OFN) 1976 – 1980
Operation Feed the Nation (OFN) was an agricultural program launched in Nigeria in 1976 by the administration of General Olusegun Obasanjo, who was the Military Head of State at the time. The primary objective of OFN was to increase food production in the country and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on food imports.
The policy goal of OFN was to increase food production on the premise that availability of cheap food would lead to a higher nutritional level which, in turn, would affect national growth tremendously. Operation Feed the Nation remains a significant chapter in Nigeria’s agricultural history, illustrating the government’s efforts to prioritize food production and self-sufficiency in the national development agenda.
Under the OFN initiative, the government encouraged Nigerians to actively participate in agriculture by cultivating food crops and raising livestock. The program promoted the use of modern farming techniques, such as mechanization, irrigation, and the use of high-yielding crop varieties, to improve agricultural productivity.
3. GREEN REVOLUTION PROGRAMME (GRP) 1981 – 1983
The Green Revolution Programme (GRP) was a major agricultural initiative implemented in Nigeria in the mid-1980s. The program was launched by the government of President Ibrahim Babangida with the aim of modernizing agriculture, increasing food production, and improving the livelihoods of farmers in the country. The Green Revolution Programme made significant contributions to the development of agriculture in Nigeria and highlighted the importance of modernizing the sector to achieve food security, poverty reduction, and economic development.
The Green Revolution Programme adopted a similar approach to the Green Revolution that took place in India and other countries in the 1960s and 1970s. It focused on increasing the adoption of modern agricultural technologies, such as high-yielding crop varieties, fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation systems, to boost agricultural productivity.
The key objectives of the Green Revolution Programme in Nigeria included:
1. Increasing food production to achieve food self-sufficiency and reduce dependence on food imports.
2. Enhancing the income and livelihoods of smallholder farmers by increasing their productivity and profitability.
3. Promoting sustainable agricultural practices to ensure environmental conservation and resource management.
4. Improving market access and infrastructure to facilitate the smooth flow of agricultural products from farms to markets.
PRESENTATION
TEACHER’S ACTIVITIES
The teacher,
1. guides students to identify roles of government in agricultural development.
2. guides the discussion on Nigerian Agricultural policies and programmes (past and present).
3. Plans a field trip to ADPs.
4. summarizes the lesson on the board
STUDENT’S ACTIVITIES
The students,
1. identify roles of government in agricultural development
2. actively participate in the discussion on Nigerian Agricultural policies and programmes (past and present).
3. participate in a field trip to ADPs.
4. copy as the teacher writes.
CONCLUSION
To conclude the lesson for the week, the teacher revises the entire lesson and links it to the following week’s lesson.
LESSON EVALUATION
Teacher asks students to:
1. mention five agricultural policies and programmes.
2. discuss any two agricultural programmes of government.