Enhancing Agricultural Productivity Through Research -By Abachi Ungbo

Agriculture is an important economic activity that is providing employment to a huge segment of the Nigeria population and also contributing to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

It is dominated by small holders on whose thin shoulders the needs of the entire population rest upon. The productivity of their farmlands is small and their income hardly commensurate with the huge effort they apply. They are overwhelmed by not a few challenges which have continue to haunt the nation in general.

No doubt, Nigeria agriculture is struggling to unleash its full capacity despite many efforts. It is worrying, that the overall productivity of the sector hasn’t dramatically improved in the face of growing population, nutritional deficiency, effect of climate change, volatile food prices and pervasive poverty.

Agricultural production continues to be hobbled by familiar challenges associated with low crop yield, incidence of pest and diseases, post- harvesting losses, plummeting soil fertility etc

The poor state of agriculture underscores the necessity for extraordinary approaches and strategies in circumventing the host of challenges to unlock the boundless capacity of agriculture to ensure it serve its purposes.

In 2013 in Maputo, the African Union (AU) under the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) laid out an elaborate plan for the development of Africa’s agriculture with an agreement by member states for the allocation of 10% of public expenditure to agriculture and an 6% annual growth of the sector. In 2014, under the Malabo declaration, member states reaffirmed their commitment to the vision.

Interestingly, meeting the goal as enshrined in the CAADP remains a tall order! A case in point is the 2025 national budget. Agriculture was allotted 826.5 billion naira which constituted about 1.73% of the total budget of 47.97 trillion naira – a far cry from the agreement. In the budget, 40 research institutes were allocated 126.03 billion naira while federal universities of agriculture got 54.38 billion.

The allocation to the institutions is paltry judging from the huge financial requirement inherent in undertaking any meaningful research activity and in running the institutions. The Pillar IV of the CAADP placed emphasis on agricultural Research and Development (R&D).

A vibrant research- led approach stand as a conspicuous missing link in the chain of agricultural production. We are witnesses to the infinite human ingenuity which has always been brought to bear in making agriculture responsive to emerging challenges leading to massive revolution in the sector through a multidisciplinary approach.

Research has always provided answers to challenging questions that has change the trajectory of agriculture. Agricultural research ensures that new technologies, techniques and practices are developed to improve productivity.

Instructively, improving agricultural productivity is a foolproof strategy for promoting inclusive economic development and reducing poverty. Through the strategy, the income of farm households is ramped up and food cost curtailed which serves as a cushion to non-farm households who are known to expend a massive amount of their income on food.

Agricultural research has a long history in Nigeria leading to the establishment of many research institutes and universities of agriculture. As well as a body known as Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria saddled with the responsibility of supervising and coordinating agricultural research and extension activities.

In effect, the country has one the most elaborate National Agricultural Research Systems (NARSs) in Africa.

Through public funding the institutions have recorded massive achievement. However, they are currently a shadow of their former selves. Their current state tells a sad story of neglect and underfunding. The entire institutions have a similitude of challenges which has continue to limit the actualization of their mandate.

The institution needs to be well funded to promote productivity, sustainable growth and general transformation of the sector. It is against this background, that the recent National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) report on the baseline survey and need assessment carried out on 16 agricultural institutions and 17 colleges of agriculture requires massive attention in order to place the research institutions on the path of glory.

Research and Development can never be successful without sufficient funding. The effectiveness and efficiency of the research can be narrowed to the generous monetary allocation that will cover the operating costs of the institutions, salaries, training and capacity building, investment in modern laboratories, equipment, relevant research facilities and data management system.

The entire approach to research needs to be attractive enough to draw and retain talents. The place of accountability and transparency cannot easily be discounted in the entire management system of the research institutions. Also, is the need for strengthening the extension system. Access to new technology and practices by the end users through the agency of a vibrant extension system is imperative and must have its wheels adequately oiled.

In the final analysis, productivity will further be enhanced through the synthesis of improved agricultural research funding and the continuation of policies reforms.

Abachi Ungbo
abachi007@yahoo.com