Agricultural Production In Nigeria And Its Prospects For Development In The Economic Community Of West African States And The World Trade In Agricultural Research

This study investigated the development of Nigeria's agricultural production and its prospects in integrating agricultural products trade in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in comparison with the world. ECOWAS is made up of fifteen countries. Nigeria is the most populous country in the region with a GDP greater than the combined GDP of all the other ECOWAS member countries.The research was specifically supported by data, primarily collected from FAOSTAT and ECOSTAT which covered the period of 1990 to 2004. The data was explained using tables and charts. Agricultural policy of Nigeria and agricultural trade policy in relation to ECOWAS was also discussed:The study revealed that agricultural production in Nigeria increased only slightly over the period of more that one decade. Production increased from 16 % to 17 % over the period of 1990 to 2004. The most produced product group was roots and tubers, followed by cereals, and then fruits and vegetables. Agricultural policy in Nigeria generally fosters agricultural development and to reduce dependency on the oil sector as the major exports, by focusing on agricultural sector to diversify production by other means. Trade policy is the liberalization of agricultural products trade in the ECOWAS.Agricultural products trade between Nigeria and other ECOWAS member countries increased, but far below agricultural trade with non ECOWAS countries.To increase agricultural production in Nigeria supply should be identify thus increase investment in resources and the recording of data, by providing necessary and useful infrastructures for example irrigation and to organize corporate farms of the peasant farmers: this would eventually lead to creation of commercial farming enterprises.For trade liberalization to be effective the member countries of ECOWAS should identify the products that have the comparative advantage to take advantage of economies of scale.