Agriculture is the cultivation of crops and the rearing of animals for the benefit of man. It includes all activities involved in producing food, fibre and raw materials from the land.
Importance of Agriculture in Nigeria
- Provision of food for the growing population.
- Source of employment for a large part of the population.
- Source of income for farmers and the nation through exports (e.g. cocoa, cashew).
- Raw materials for industries (e.g. cotton for textiles, palm oil, rubber).
- Foreign exchange earnings from exports.
- Provision of market for industrial goods such as fertilisers and machinery.
Branches of Agriculture
| Branch | What it deals with |
|---|---|
| Crop Production | Growing of crops (agronomy, horticulture) |
| Animal Production | Rearing of livestock (cattle, goats, poultry) |
| Fisheries | Production of fish and other aquatic animals |
| Forestry | Management of forest resources and trees |
| Agricultural Economics | The business and financial side of farming |
| Agricultural Extension | Passing new farming knowledge to farmers |
History of Agriculture in Nigeria
Agriculture in Nigeria developed from subsistence farming (growing mainly for the family) to commercial farming (growing for sale). Early farmers used simple tools like the cutlass and hoe; today, modern agriculture uses tractors, improved seeds, fertilisers and irrigation.
Remember the systems: Subsistence farming (for the family), commercial farming (for sale), mixed farming (crops + animals), and shifting cultivation (moving to new land when soil is exhausted).
Summary
Agriculture is the growing of crops and rearing of animals for man’s benefit. It is vital to Nigeria for food, employment, income and raw materials. Its main branches are crop production, animal production, fisheries, forestry and agricultural economics.
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