Roles of Government and NGOs in Agricultural Development

The development of agriculture in Nigeria is a collaborative effort between the government (at various levels) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). While the government provides the legal framework, infrastructure, and fiscal policies, NGOs often provide technical support, research, and funding to improve productivity.

1. Government Fiscal Policies

Fiscal policies are measures taken by the government to influence the economy through revenue collection (taxation) and expenditure. In agriculture, these include:

• Import Duties: High taxes on imported food items (like rice or poultry) to protect local farmers from foreign competition.
• Import Bans: Total prohibition of certain agricultural products to encourage local self-sufficiency.
• Export Incentives: Reducing taxes on exported crops (like cocoa or cashew) to encourage farmers to produce for the international market.

2. Agricultural Laws and Reforms

The most significant law in Nigerian agriculture is the Land Use Act of 1978. Its key provisions include:

• All land in the territory of each state is vested in the Governor of that state.
• Land is held in trust for the use and common benefit of all Nigerians.
• Individuals can obtain a Statutory Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) to use land for 99 years.
• It aims to make land easily available for large-scale farming by reducing land fragmentation.

3. Government Development Programmes

The government provides incentives to encourage farming, such as:

• Subsidies: Reducing the cost of inputs like fertilizers, improved seeds, and chemicals so farmers can afford them.
• Credit Facilities: Providing low-interest loans through institutions like the Bank of Agriculture (BOA).
• Extension Services: Sending experts to teach farmers modern techniques.
• River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs): Focusing on irrigation and year-round farming.

4. Provision of Infrastructure

Infrastructure is essential for moving produce from farms to markets. Key infrastructures include:

• Transportation: Rural roads and railways reduce post-harvest losses.
• Communication: Helps farmers access market prices and weather forecasts.
• Electricity: Enables rural agro-processing and cold storage.
• Water: Dams and boreholes for livestock and irrigation.

5. Contribution of NGOs

Non-Governmental Organizations are non-profit bodies that support agricultural development. Examples include IITA, FAO, and the West Africa Rice Development Association (WARDA).

• Research: Developing high-yielding and disease-resistant crop varieties (e.g., IITA's work on cassava).
• Funding: Providing grants for rural agricultural projects.
• Technical Assistance: Training farmers on sustainable practices.
• Rural Development: Building schools and clinics in farming communities to improve the quality of life.