Basic Knowledge in Agriculture #40

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Discuss the Evolution of Agricultural practices in your country.

Agricultural activities in Nigeria have undergone great transformations. Agriculture was a primitive activity as farmers used primitive farming implements such as hoes and cutlasses, which were highly reliant on manual labor and slash and burn agriculture. With time, the colonial presence also brought about cash crops like cocoa, groundnuts and palm oil and this shifted the orientation of subsistence to commercial agriculture. Modernisation of the agricultural sector was attempted on government level in Nigeria through schemes and policies after its independence but irregular implementation frustrated the process.

Recent years have seen a general tendency towards mechannization, the use of better seed types, the use of irrigation and the use of digital farming tools. The new face of the industry is youth participation, agritech startups, and unlisted investments. In spite of such problems as an inappropriate infrastructure and climate change, Nigerian agricultural practices are still changing to be sustainable, feeding secure and economically developing in the fast-changing global context.

Discuss on the Challenges Encountered and solutions to these challenges.

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Nigeria has a number of challenges affecting its agricultural practice. Others which are important are the poor infrastructure like bad roads, and poor storage thus incurring high post-harvest losses. Another challenge faced by the farmers is limited access to modern tools, quality seeds and finance. Climatic conditions, inconsistent rain and pestics also minimizes productivity. Many also have been forced out of agricultural activities due to insecurity in some farming areas.

The government and the rest of the society should invest in the agricultural infrastructure in the country, offer cheap credit and offer research on better crop varieties to counter these challenges. Modern techniques can be empowered by using training programs and extension services on the farmers. Moreover, to enhance resilience and make production more productive, it is possible to embrace climate-smart agriculture to practice as well as support the innovations of agritech. This cooperation of the stakeholders is essential to guarantee food security and efficient agriculture in Nigeria.

Thanks for reading my post I'm inviting @joymm, @okere-blessing and @bela90 to participate.