THE OIL SECTOR VIS-À-VIS THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR; THE NIGERIAN EXPERIENCE

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THE OIL SECTOR VIS-À-VIS THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR; THE NIGERIAN EXPERIENCE

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1              BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Agriculture, according to Omidigi (1993), is an applied science that deals with the preparation of land, cultivation of crops and rearing of animals.

Akinsami (1973:p1) defined agriculture as the production of plants and animals useful to man. It covers not only the cultivation of soil and the feeding and management of crops and livestock, but also the preparation of plants, and animal products for man’s use and the disposal of those products by marketing.

The role of agriculture in transforming both the social and economic framework of an economy cannot be overemphasized. It is a source of food and raw materials for the industrial sector. It is also essential for expansion of employment opportunity, for the reduction of poverty and improvement of income distribution for speeding up industrialization and easing the pressure of balance of payment. In essence, it has been the main source of gainful employment; from which the nation can feed its teeming population, a regenerative, providing the nation’s industries with local raw materials, and as s reliable source of government revenue.

The agricultural sector constitutes one of the most important sectors of