ABSTRACT
The study evaluates the effects of human capital development on agricultural productivity in Nigeria. Data were obtained from the CBN statistical bulletin for the period 1983-2013 and analyzed using the ordinary least square regression method and E-views computer software. From the result of the analysis it was established that Human capital has a positive effect on agricultural production in Nigeria. it was also discovered that there exist a U-shaped quadratic relationship between trade openness and agricultural output in Nigeria. This was evidenced by the negative long run effects of the degree of openness. It was recommended among others that (a) Better physical infrastructure, better education and training, and more industrial experience can contribute to the ability to reduce cost and raise productivity (b) The ministry of education and natural resources to device ways of educating farmers on the need for food security through mass media, agricultural extension programmes/workshops, internet etc.(C) Appropriate policy package to reduce or stabilize inflation rate in the country should be implemented. (D) The government should institute a genuine effort to fight corruption in all its ramifications. This calls for transparency, morality, ethical value and accountability on the part of public office holders.
CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION
1.1. BACKGROUND OF STUDY
The classical economist had identified land, labor and physical capital as the three basic factors of economic activities. In the 1960s neoclassical economist such as Schultz (1961) and Becker (1964) introduced the concept of human capital. They argued that the endowment of an educated society, trained and healthy workers allows the efficient use of these factors. They were followed by Mincer (1974) who suggested simplified method of evaluating Education.
However the idea that any investment in education has economic and social benefits in the long run, for both the individual and the society at large, dates back to Adams smith, if not further.
The concept of human capital formation refers to a conscious and continuous process of process of acquiring and increasing the number of people with requisite knowledge, education, skill and experience that are crucial for the economic and political development of a country Odusola (1998).
Burneth et al (1995) say that investing in education raises per capita income GNP, reduces poverty and supports the expansion of knowledge. Education it is argued reduces inequality.
One of the major problems facing agricultural productivity in Nigeria is illiteracy. This has over the years posed great challenges to agricultural development as well productivity. The level of literacy of farmers in Nigeria generally affects agricultural practices in Nigeria especially in rural areas. Extension practices and research works are more tedious with low level of literacy of farmers. Although farmers usually have rich knowledge of local conditions and valuable practical knowledge or experience of how best to successfully exploit their environment they also require innovation, information generated from research and development to boost their productivity Apata (2010) Ilevebaoje (2004) observed that agricultural messages could enhance the productivity of farmers when they have access to such information.
This could be achieved through well equipped Adult literacy scheme designed for farmers not only to access the information but having the potency to interpret and utilize them for optimum productivity. All government research bodies and international services are instituting a wide range of measures to modernize and increase the agricultural productivity of farmers. In view of this, the farmer must be expected to grasp new opportunities and incentives as soon as production rises above subsistence level. Consequently, the effects of education on agriculture cannot possibly be ignored. We have seen from relevant literature that technical innovations can only take place in a situation where few if any farmers are literate. Agriculture development involves a sequence of innovations and adjustments which increasingly demand a more sophisticated and hence better educated farmer.
Increasing the level of human capital can contribute directly to productivity gains at the farm level, facilitating the migration process by lowering cost and improving dietary energy intake that in turn promotes productivity. Agricultural countries like Nigeria needs a sustained growth of agricultural production to feed its population and increase her export earnings. An improvement of human capacity for agricultural productivity is a prerequisite for social and economic development of rural areas. This is because agriculture forms the bedrock of economic activities in rural areas.
The project will therefore aim at analyzing the effect of human capital development on agricultural productivity.
1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
Agriculture is one of the pillars of any economy that is genuinely committed to developing capacities to guarantee employment opportunities, food security, industrialization and wealth creation.
Towards the end of the colonial rule, various regional governments devoted their time and resources to improving agriculture. During this period, Nigeria became the highest producer of palm oil and groundnut, and the second largest producer of cocoa and rubber. The need to discourage export of raw agricultural products gave rise to the establishment of factories across the country to process these agricultural products with the resulting economics of scale.
The above stated achievements notwithstanding, the fundamental problems faced by the agricultural sector of Nigeria still remain. In spite of government’s concerted efforts to improve agricultural productivity in Nigeria, the sectors performance remains weak, compared to demand and efforts to expand supply. Several agricultural development programs (ADPs) had been introduced, yet the agricultural sector is yet to produce desired results.
Human capital is an important element of any agricultural drive; hence the study seeks to assess the effects of human capital development on agricultural production in Nigeria.
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
Our interest in this research work is to know the effects of human capital development on agricultural productivity in Nigeria. The specific objectives of the research or study are hereby under listed as follows
i) To ascertain the effects of human capital development on agricultural production in Nigeria.
ii) To ascertain the effects of trade openness on agricultural output in Nigeria.
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
For the purpose of this project, the research questions used in the process of carrying out research is
i) What is the effect of human capital development on agricultural production in Nigeria?
ii) What is the effect of trade openness on agricultural output in Nigeria?
1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS
In the view of Ofanson (2002) this part of the research work must have some correlation with the statement of the research problem and objectives. Research hypothesis is a testable statement regarding the relationship between two or more variables that are usually derived from different theories.
In pursuance of the objectives of the study;
HYPOTHESIS I
H0: Human capital development has no significant effect on agricultural production.
H1: Human capital development has a significant effect on agricultural production.
HYPOTHESIS II
H0: Trade openness has no significant impact on agricultural output
H1: Trade openness has a significant impact on agricultural output
1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The findings from the study are of great importance to the country, as it will be useful to policy makers and serve as reference material for members of the academia and the public. To policy makers, the significance stems from the idea that increased agricultural productivity will lead to food security, employment growth and even an increased share of export earnings.
1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This work is not limited to the theoretical analysis; statistical data will be applied where necessary. This study will cover a period of thirty years (1983-2013). This period is particularly important for the study and the nation’s economic history as it covers a period of economic boom linked with the oil wealth and also the various agricultural sector reforms. The period also witnessed the structural adjustment programme (SAP).
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===================================================================Item Type: Project Material | Size: 70 pages | Chapters: 1-5
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