Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This study examines the impact of agricultural development on Nigeria's economic growth from 1980 to 2014. Nigeria, as a developing country, has a significant portion of its population engaged in agriculture, making it a crucial sector for economic development. The research employs quantitative analysis using annual time series data to investigate the relationship between agricultural development indicators and economic growth in Nigeria. The study utilizes various indicators of agricultural development such as agricultural value added, agricultural productivity, and agricultural exports to assess their impact on economic growth. Additionally, factors like government policies, infrastructure, and technology in the agricultural sector are considered to understand their influence on economic growth. The empirical analysis involves the use of econometric techniques like the Auto-Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to estimate the long-run and short-run effects of agricultural development on economic growth. The findings suggest a positive relationship between agricultural development and economic growth in Nigeria during the study period. The results indicate that improvements in agricultural value added, productivity, and exports have a significant impact on boosting economic growth in the country. Government policies aimed at promoting agricultural development, investments in infrastructure, and adoption of technology are identified as key drivers of this positive relationship. Furthermore, the study reveals that the agricultural sector in Nigeria has the potential to contribute significantly to overall economic growth if properly nurtured and supported. Enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting value addition, and expanding agricultural exports emerge as critical strategies for driving sustained economic growth in Nigeria. The findings underscore the importance of prioritizing agricultural development as a means to achieve broader economic development goals in the country. Overall, the research highlights the vital role of agricultural development in Nigeria's economic growth trajectory. By focusing on enhancing the agricultural sector through targeted policies and investments, Nigeria can harness the full potential of its agricultural resources to drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders interested in understanding the dynamics of agricultural development and its impact on economic growth in Nigeria.

Thesis Overview