AGRICULTURE AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT: CHALLENGES FOR THE NORTH WEST ZONE OF NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

1.     The research is about the development of agriculture in Nigeria: challenges for the North West Zone of Nigeria.  The study set to determine the efforts made by past and current governments at agricultural development in the country.  The research assessed the performance of the sector and effects of these on the economy.  The challenges of agricultural development were also identified.  The ways of developing the sector so that it can compete with the oil sector was then proffered.

2.     The researcher used both primary and secondary sources of information for the study but with a greater reliance on the latter. The analysis of data and Interview was used as part of the information to collate the challenges to agricultural development in the rural areas.  The study revealed that there had been several efforts at agricultural development.  The measures include policies and programmes.  An assessment of the effects of these measures shows that agriculture declined from its premier position giving way to oil as the dominant sector of the economy.

3.     Some challenges to agricultural development in the North West Zone were also identified.  They include low budgetary allocation, inaccessibility to credit by farmers, and inadequate supply of inputs.  The strategies for agricultural/development in the North West Zone of Nigeria, an antidote to these challenges like increased budgetary allocation, accessibility to credit and adequate supply of inputs to farmers were discussed. The Government should also adopt favourable policies in order to increase agricultural production.

4.     Finally, the study made recommendations which would improve agricultural development in the North West Zone of Nigeria. This is with the aim of developing the Nigerian Economy in addition to the oil sector.

LEADERSHIP AND GOOD GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA: ISSUES AND PROSPECTS

ABSTRACT

The study set out to determine the relationship between leadership and good governance as well as examine the effects of leadership on good governance in Nigeria within the first decade of the Fourth Republic. It also sought to identify the issues, challenges and prospects associated with leadership and good governance, and proffered strategies that would ensure that leadership facilitates good governance in Nigeria. The field survey method and secondary analysis were used for the study. The field survey method was to obtain public perception on the subject matter using open ended questionnaires and unstructured interviews. The questionnaires were issued to respondents within Jaji and Kaduna, which is considered a microcosm of Nigeria. The data obtained were analysed to determine how leadership can be strengthened towards ensuring good governance in the polity. The study found out that political leadership has been seriously bedeviled by electoral problems, corruption and dishonesty among others leading to mismanagement of resources and poor infrastructural development. Some of the identified challenges include delayed prosecution of corrupt officials, lack of grassroots development, poor budget implementation and lack of dedicated national fund. Others are abuse of the electoral process, demand for undue loyalty, insecurity and negative orientation to leadership. Far reaching strategies were proffered to mitigate the challenges including multi-pronged anti-corruption package, enhancing grassroots development, funding of capital projects and improvement of security among others. Finally, the study recommended the removal of the Immunity Clause from the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN). Others are the commencement of electronic voting system towards improved elections, independent candidacy during elections and national reorientation towards leadership. These if achieved would reposition Nigeria on the path of development, good governance and greatness in line with her Vision 20:2020.