The History of Agriculture in Nigeria from the Colonial Era to the Present Day Essay Example

demand for the Departments of Agriculture to augment their contribution towards food production for both the military and citizens, domestically and within the Empire. There was increased production of export crops such as palm products and rubber, due to the inability to procure them from Malaysia as an outcome of Japanese war operations in South-East Asia. Furthermore, food items like sugar, wheat, milk, eggs, vegetables, Irish potatoes and rice saw an increase in local production as their importation was hindered by a naval blockade on the open seas.

In response to the situation, a specific production unit was established within the Department of Agriculture. On the research front, the focus was primarily on developing sustainable agricultural systems that could replace the country's prevalent rotational bush-fallowing methods and fulfill the potential of mixed farming in the northern regions. During this era, actions were taken to initiate the WAIFOR (West African Institute for Oil Palm Research) in Benin and reinforce cocoa research at locations like Moor Plantation and Owena near Ondo, and Onigambari near Ibadan.

During this era, significant accomplishments were achieved. These include the research and development of 'Alien Cotton' in southern areas; the propagation of rice in provinces such as Sokoto, Niger, llorin, Abeokuta Colony, and Ondo; the inception of wheat farming in the far northern sectors of the northern provinces; enhancing the production scale of export crops like cocoa, oil palm, and groundnut; the advancement and design of agricultural equipment and farm structures; the amplification of horticulture tasks; evolving a marketing section within the Department; extending the Produce Inspection Service to cover all significant export crops; studies into potential organized land settlement initiatives; and probing into

feasible irrigation practices in northern Nigeria.

From 1951 to 1960, a period dubbed the Internal Self Government saw the reorganization of Agricultural Departments with each department having a Department Head and an Agriculture Inspector General. However, due to constitutional changes that paved the way to the independence of Regional Departments, by October 1954, the position of Agriculture Inspector General was eliminated.

The Federal Department of Agricultural Research was maintained as the constitution assigned agricultural research to the shared legislative list, whereas extension work was kept under regional authority. The findings of the Federal Research Stations were intended to be disseminated via Regional ministries in charge of agriculture and natural resources. Additionally, a Technical Committee of the Council of Natural Resources, comprising Federal and Regional Ministers and officials, was established in 1955 to devise national research programmes and synchronize Federal and Regional research undertakings. The regionalization of agriculture heightened awareness for the need to intensify endeavors in both research and extension fields. Consequently, the Regions significantly broadened their involvement in agricultural research and extension activities.

The period after 1960 marked a time of significant planning and regional rivalry in the farming sector. The primary focus was on commodity exports, with the Marketing Boards utilizing taxation policy as a tool for development finance. There was also a prevailing belief that food production could self-sustain without requiring any government interference, which consequently became the official agricultural policy. With regions gaining independence, the country's agricultural history began a fresh chapter involving modifications to conventional methods. This was due to the inadequacy of food production to satisfy the demands of the increasing population and the producers' failure to reinvest in land.

The worsening

of these afflictions was exacerbated due to the prior Federal Government's lack of initiative in spearheading the country's agricultural modernization. Post the mid-1960s, a Federal Ministry dedicated to Agriculture and Natural Resources was established, marking the beginning of a period of amalgamation and coordination of agriculture-focused development projects. The year 1966 saw the initiation of Federal oversight and governance over the nation's farming sector. This positive movement became more evident with the formation of 12 States in 1967, and amplified endeavors to devise a unified strategy for agricultural progress in Nigeria.

Prior to the commencement of British Colonial rule in Nigeria, the livestock production industry was principally controlled by nomadic pastoralism. Upon their arrival, the colonial government's prime concern became the health and cleanliness of the domestic cattle, leading to the establishment of the Nigerian Veterinary Department in 1914, based out of Zaria.

A diminutive animal health lab came into existence in Vom in 1924, with a primary focus on producing rinderpest serum. As field services grew, so did the lab's responsibilities which led to the start of creating vaccines and various other biological items alongside its usual functions.

The relocation of the Nigerian Veterinary Department headquarters from Zaria to Vom was motivated by the advantageous position of Vom in veterinary research and vaccine production, as well as a primary emphasis on livestock health. In October 1927, the government received suggestions for creating a Stock Farm, aimed at producing purebred male livestock for local stock owners via selective breeding. The proposal recommended stocking Shika with three breeds - White Fulani, Gudali and Shuwa - each represented by a dairy herd approximately 20 heads. By 1934, it was reliably

determined that energy sources for the cattle could involve either sweet potatoes or cassava.

Around the same time, it was understood that there was a significant and increasing export of livestock on the hoof from the North, with the level of demand fluctuating based on the pricing of southern goods. Accordingly, when palm oil prices in the South are high and cotton prices in the North are low, a potential farmer's expenses and profits can vary greatly. These fluctuations led policymakers to create the 'Mixed Farming Policy.' This policy is characterized by the importation of six hens and one rooster of the Rhode Island Red breed from England in 1933 to Agege, a location already known for cultivation of crops such as maize, cassava, yam, oil palm, kola, coffee, pineapple, and citrus fruits.

At an early stage, the contribution of educational progression to agricultural growth in Nigeria was emphasized. The benefits offered by primary education to farmers in the three Regions were recognized, and it was put forward that incorporating new aspects into farming, like livestock production in the Southern Provinces of Nigeria, could lead to increased agricultural interest among educated youngsters. In Katsina Province, an initiative was launched aimed at teaching farmers' children the superior methods of husbandry. The teaching was primarily practical and focused on diversified agriculture. Similarly, Ibadan Agricultural School incorporated the study of livestock management where the Education and Agricultural Departments collaborated to train teachers managing school farms as well as agricultural aides for the Department of Agriculture.

By the time 1938 rolled around, West African Agricultural Officers had already conducted three conferences. In addition, multiple attempts were made from 1924 to 1938 to

bring in fodder and browse plants to Nigeria, especially at sites like the Veterinary Station in Vom, the Agricultural Station in Samaru, and the Stock Centre in Shika. The meetings highlighted the essential need for an organized approach towards improving pasture and grassland management. They also emphasized on fostering greater collaboration between livestock farmers and traditional agriculturists. It marked the onset of systematic initiations towards managing ranges for the enhancement of livestock in Nigeria. By 1940, commercial butter production had begun with the establishment of milk-buying units in regions of the Jos Plateau.

Shortly after initiating the production of cheese and bacon, its intensity was amplified during World War II. Post-war, livestock products gained significant importance, and in 1948, the Department of Commerce and Industry assumed control of the operations. In the early 1940s, a Veterinary School was instituted at Vom to educate Nigerians in animal health care. Additionally, a Livestock Investigation Centre (LIC) was established to support the school and lab functions. As a subsequent development, an Egg Production Unit came into existence to provide fertile eggs for virus studies, vaccines for both Veterinary and Medical Departments, and poultry for research and vaccine testing purposes.

The Nigerian Veterinary Department significantly contributed to the history of livestock development in Nigeria. In fact, post the 1939-45 War, this department gained international recognition as most West African territories requested vaccines from the veterinary laboratory in Vom. The serious effects of Trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) in humans and animals greatly worried the Colonial Administration in the West African Territories. This anxiety instigated the establishment of a West African Institute for Trypanosomiasis Research (WAITR) in 1947.

The primary research facility for examining the

animal was established in Vom, located on the Jos Plateau. This proved to be an excellent choice due to the absence of the tsetse fly vector in the area. Before 1951, the Nigerian Veterinary Department maintained its main office, labs, and a school in Vom, alongside field offices in various regions. However, the introduction of regional governments resulted in the division of the Nigerian Veterinary Department into distinct regional departments.

The title of the Director of Veterinary Services transformed into the Inspector-General of Animal Health Services. However, the roles of the regional heads continued to be the same, barring the Northern Region whose title was altered to Director of Veterinary Services. The role of Inspector-General involved executive power in the regions only concerning affairs related to the trade of hides and skins. In October 1954, a new Constitution revised the Regional Departments into entirely autonomous units.

The title of Inspector-General of Animal Health Services was redefined as the Director of Veterinary Research, accountable to the Federal Government and in charge of overseeing veterinary issues in Lagos. With the establishment of 12 States in Nigeria in 1967, each of these states took on the responsibility for veterinary matters within their respective areas. The debut breeding policy, aimed at enhancing livestock in Nigeria, focused primarily on locally obtainable animal breeds. Around 1950, this policy witnessed a revision with the introduction of foreign cattle species to enhance the native breed.

The Upper Ogun Ranch, founded by the Western Nigeria Development Corporation (WNDC), focuses on the commercial farming and supply of cattle. South Devon cattle were brought into the Obudu Ranch in the Eastern Region. The ranch in Agege, Lagos, received imported

Friesian bulls; and the University of Ibadan's Teaching and Research Farm acquired their initial cattle stock from Shika. Comprehensive resources were additionally set up for conducting research in the raising of pigs and poultry.

Agricultural development and coordination's administrative systems were also revised. The technical committees, designated for different aspects of primary production, experienced modifications. The Veterinary Technical Committee was superseded by the expanded National Livestock Development Committee, which reported to the National Council for Agriculture and Natural Resources. The Livestock Meat Authority, formed to benefit the northern states, was recently authorized to operate nationwide in amassing data and carrying out surveys, as well as conducting research into different areas of livestock production, slaughter, and marketing within Nigeria.

The evolution of the fishing industry in Nigeria, despite being relatively recent, has been shown through documents to have started with a fishing firm in the coastal waters of Lagos before 1915. The intentional growth of Nigeria's fisheries primarily commences from the time of World War II. This was a result of the sea blockade by the navy which prompted the then Colonial Administration to tap into local resources, including the fishing sector. Thus, in 1941, a fisheries organization was formed under the Agricultural Department of the Colonial Office, and a Senior Agricultural Officer was designated to explore and report on the potential of the industry.

Initially situated at Apese village and later in Onikan, Lagos, the headquarters directed preliminary trials in brackish water fish farming at Onikan with the support of a part-time volunteer officer. They also led surveys on the Apese village's canoe fisheries and Kuramo waters in Victoria Island, Lagos. A compact fisheries educational institution was set

up at Onikan as well. Early in 1945, the Fisheries Development division was provisionally shifted from the Agricultural Department to the Secretariat's Development Branch. A Fisheries Development Officer was appointed, and a Five-Year Fishery Development Plan was drafted and incorporated into Nigeria's Ten-Year Plan for Development and Welfare, which was presented to the Legislative Council on December 13th, 1945.

In the period from this point until 1947, the Branch evolved into a section within the Department of Commerce and Industries, led by a Principal Fisheries Officer. Alongside its ongoing roles such as fish farming experiments in brackish waters and conducting surveys of canoe fisheries, new ventures were embarked on. these included the procurement of small motor fishing vessels for investigative fishing within estuaries, lagoons, and creeks. At that time in Nigeria, it was viewed as more crucial to focus on these local fisheries over sea fisheries, despite prior reports identifying potential trawl fishing locations off the coast of Lagos at depths ranging from 18-65m. Other novel endeavours included trial growing of rice in tidal mangrove swamps where fish farming could also exist, and enhancing the living conditions for the entirely fishing-based populations of two tiny villages in Lagos. In the span between 1948 and 1950, substantial attempts were employed to extend the artisanal fisheries initiatives to other coastal regions of Nigeria. A proactive extension service got underway to show coastal canoe fishermen the advantages of utilizing improved fishing methods and equipment.

Moreover, trawling examinations were conducted near Lagos and Cameroon, and a subsidiary station was operated at Opobo for multiple years until it was shut down because of insufficient funds and staff. Efforts to establish fish farming

in inland regions also began through the creation of test ponds and stocking up of the pre-existing ponds and reservoirs.

A person specializing in fish farming was delegated to expand this area of production, leading to the creation of a sizable 160ha fish farm at Panyam on the Jos Plateau in 1951. This branch developed into the Federal Fisheries Services under the Federal Ministry of Economic Development by the end of that time frame. From 1952 to 1957, most of the marine biology studies were conducted by the West African Fisheries Research Institute (WAFRI) based in Freetown, Sierra Leone, with a dedicated unit running at Birnin Kebbi to carry out research on River Sokoto’s fisheries. Following the withdrawal of support from Nigeria and Ghana, WAFRI was abolished as of March 31st, 1957. After this, the role of conducting fisheries research was extended to include the Federal Fisheries Service.

In accordance with the 1954 Nigerian Constitution, control over the fisheries organisation was shared between the Federal and Regional Governments. The main body, the Federal Fisheries Service of the Federal Ministry of Economic Department, was overseen by a Director. This establishment's headquarters and laboratories were based in Lagos. Similarly, the Western Region Fisheries Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources was led by a Principal Fisheries Officer with its main operations in municipalities like Ibadan, Lagos, Warri, Epe and Asaba. Another arm, the Eastern Region Fisheries Division of the Ministry of Agriculture was managed by a Principal Fisheries Officer with its primary base at Aba and an auxiliary station at Opobo. Also, the Ministry of Agriculture's Fisheries Section in the Northern Region was governed by a Senior

Fisheries Officer and its headquarters was initially sited at Baga before being relocated to Malarnfatori, Lake Chad. Alongside, the Northern Region Fish Farm at Panyam fell under the purview of the Ministry of Trade and Industry. It had a resident Fish Farmer in charge. Furthermore, the Federal Fisheries Service carried a constitutional obligation for developing fisheries and leading research within the Lagos Federal Territory and any other district wherever its presence for any specific research activity was sought out by a Regional Government.

Although in theory, the Lagos-based Western Region Sea Fisheries Section, which operates within the same premises as the Federal Fisheries Service, served all fishermen regardless of their origin or whether they resided in the Western Region Territory or the Federal Territory. Therefore, the Federal Fisheries Service entrusted all activities related to the development of Lagos fisheries to the Western Region Fisheries Division. Instead, they focused on progressing modern fishing vessels (trawlers), including their licensing, planning a fishing terminal for Lagos, and conducting research. The Regions did not solicit Federal help for research purposes. Instead, they either attempted to carry out the research themselves or sought assistance from international multilateral entities (FAO/UNDP) or bilateral bodies (USAID).

In the context of identifying regional research needs and implementing necessary studies, the Federal Fisheries Service took the lead. For instance, the Malarnfatori station was set up at the Lake Chad as part of these efforts, a Brackish water fish-farming project found its beginning at Buguma, and studies were kick-started at the Kainji Dam site. From 1956-66, there was a significant surge in Nigeria's fishing endeavors. The coastal trawler fleet saw impressive growth - starting from just one registered

trawler in 1956 to reaching 13 by 1960. Correspondingly, the total quantity of fish caught skyrocketed to ten times the initial amount during this period.

The production remained constant until 1963, though there was a drop in catches between 1964-66 due to overfishing in the Lagos area. However, during this time, significant amounts of prawns were found in the eastern regions, leading many boats to switch to prawn fishing, thereby alleviating pressure on the fish population. By 1970, the fish population had completely recovered and there was a swift expansion of coastal fishing activities, leading to the need for plans for fishing regulations to preserve the somewhat scarce resources. There was also a significant rise in small-scale, local fisheries during this time.

The attributed factors for this include the concentration of fishing activities in fertile areas; better cash returns on efforts put in; advancements in processing, storage and distribution methods; improvements in the type of fishing vessels used; and notably, increased gear efficiency resulting from transition to synthetic fibre. The overall consequence was a fourfold increase in the contribution of fisheries to the country's QDP between 1960-1970. The Fisheries Service delegated all Lagos fisheries development tasks to the Western Region fisheries Division, focusing instead on the advancement of modern fishing vessels (trawlers), inclusive of their licensing; planning of a fishing terminal in Lagos; and research initiatives as well.

The Regions did not seek Federal aid for research activities. They chose to either attempt the research on their own or solicit assistance from global multilateral organizations such as FAO/UNDP or bilateral entities like USAID. Consequently, the Federal Fisheries Service was compelled to independently determine regional research necessities and implement

studies it deemed necessary. Following this approach, establishments like the Malarnfatori station on Lake Chad were founded, projects such as the Buguma Brackishwater fish-farming were initiated, and research at the Kainji Dam site was commenced.

From 1956 to 1966, Nigeria experienced a significant growth in its fishing industry. During this time, the coastal trawler fleet increased from just one registered trawler in 1956 to 13 by 1960, and the total fish haul witnessed a ten-fold rise. This productivity persisted until 1963, but experienced a decline from 1964 to 1966 due to overfishing in the Lagos fishing areas. Nonetheless, this was roughly the same time when commercial prawn quantities were found in the country's eastern regions, causing many vessels to switch to prawn fishing, which helped alleviate the strain on fish populations. By 1970, the fish populations had fully rebounded and there was a rapid growth in coastal fishing activities. Consequently, plans were set in motion to regulate fishing activities in order to preserve the rather finite resources.

There was a notable upsurge in the artisanal fisheries during this era. This surge has been associated with the focus of fishing activities near fertile zones; enhanced monetary yield for efforts; overall enhancement in processing, preserving and distributing systems; advancement in the type of fishing vessels utilized and, most importantly, due to the increased gear productivity arising from a comprehensive transition to synthetic fibre. Ultimately, the impact was a fourfold increase in the contribution of fisheries to the country's QDP between 1960 and 1970. Remarking on agricultural advancements post-independence, Nigeria's inaugural national plan spanned from 1962-1968.

There is no content provided toand unify. Your are empty.