REPOSITIONING NIGERIA AGRICULTURE SECTOR THROUGH EVIDENCE-BASED POLICIES

The ability of the agriculture sector in Nigeria to deliver on Government expectations- contribution to increasing food and nutrition security- as well as serving as a vehicle for rural employment depends on robust evidence-based policies, capable of repositioning the sector to contribute effectively to economic development, as well as on prerequisite regulatory frameworks.

To achieve the above, the review of existing policies in agricultural production and extension services is essential, even as the development of livestock and fishery policies reflecting new emerging issues is imperative. Focus should be given to critical areas including preparation of relevant implementation strategies, enhancing the capacity of national and state level institutions providing agricultural statistics, tracking the SDG indicators, routine data and agricultural information, capacity development for government use in poverty analysis, and multi-sectoral coordination.

The development of appropriate and operationally effective evidence-based agricultural policies and regulatory frameworks, building understanding and capacity around meeting SDG 1 and 2, and aligning policies between agriculture and trade will both increase regional trade and reposition Nigeria agriculture sector to contribute effectively to economic development of the country.