Agricultural Sector Policy Periods and Growth Pattern in Nigeria (1960–2020): Implications on Agricultural Performance

Abstract

This study examined agricultural policy periods in Nigeria (1960–2020) and the sector’s growth pattern during the period. Three specific policy periods were introduced: the independence and first decade (1960–1969), oil boom and policy reconstruction (1970–1985), and policy stabilization era (1986–2020). Trend analysis was carried out to establish the pattern of agricultural output during these policy periods. The overall share of agriculture to Nigeria GDP has a steady downward trend in the first policy period (1960–1969). However, the agricultural sector of Nigeria significantly contributed to its GDP, especially in the early 60’s. The country experienced stagnated pattern of growth in the agriculture sector within the oil boom and policy reconstruction period. There was an increasing trend in the era of policy stabilization (1986–2020) associated with the availability of a national policy document on agriculture which propelled the rolling out of various programmes and strategies targeted at massive agricultural production.