Agriculture as A Catalyst for Rural Economic Development of Benue State, Nigeria
Abstract
The study examined agriculture as a catalyst for rural economic development in Benue State, Nigeria. The study provides an avenue for determining the contribution of agriculture to poverty reduction and rural development, the challenges faced by smallholder farmers, and strategies for overcoming these barriers. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select 387 respondents for the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to respondents in the study area. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Likert-scale ratings (mean scores). Findings on the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents revealed that the majority (68.2%) were aged 31–60 years, with a mean age of approximately 45 years; the majority (74.2%) were married; most (55.3%) were male; the majority (65.6%) had received some form of education; average farming experience was approximately 20 years; average household size was 8.4 persons; the majority (67.2%) had farming as their primary occupation; and average monthly income was ₦86,111.11, which was relatively low considering the average household size of 8.4 persons. The major contributions of agriculture to rural economic development in the study area included income generation (3.077), food security (3.895), employment creation (3.567), and enhanced resilience to shocks (3.298). The challenges faced by smallholder rural farmers included limited access to resources (3.731), technology (3.648), markets (3.565), and essential services (3.486). Strategies for overcoming these barriers included sustainable agricultural practices (3.682), value chain development (3.601), land tenure policies (3.519), input subsidy policies (3.504), trade policies (3.441), and climate policies (3.255). The study concluded that agriculture serves as a primary catalyst for rural economic development in the study area. It recommended that agricultural practitioners, policymakers, and researchers promote the sustainable and efficient use of resources, provide appropriate and affordable technologies, and facilitate access to competitive markets that offer fair and stable prices.