Agricultural Development and the Role of the Federal Government
Report by the House of Representatives, 12th April, 1961
Introduction
The importance of agricultural development in providing employment opportunities for young people cannot be overstated. The Minister himself has acknowledged that our national prosperity relies on agriculture. Therefore, it is the duty of the Federal Government to support and collaborate with the Regional Governments in improving our agricultural economy. This report emphasizes the need for sustainable agricultural development and its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Role of the Federal Government
To effectively support agricultural development, the Federal Government should establish an Agricultural Development and Finance Corporation. This corporation will have the following responsibilities:
- Providing subsidies to Regional Governments for agricultural development expansion, including the establishment of farming institutes and cooperative farm settlements.
- Establishing industries for the processing of agricultural products.
Furthermore, the government should prioritize industries that plan to process agricultural products for export. This will contribute to economic diversification and promote the welfare and happiness of our people.
Challenges and Recommendations
There have been instances where protective duties were imposed to establish industries such as flour mills. However, these industries rely on imported raw materials, which hinders our economic growth. It is crucial for the government to consider the long-term economic implications and explore alternatives. Instead of protecting specific industries, the government should encourage entrepreneurs to establish industries for processing agricultural products like groundnut, cotton, cocoa, and palm kernels. If entrepreneurs are unwilling, the government should consider investing in such industries. For example, tomatoes and beans can also be processed for export.
Agricultural Development and Industrialization
Agricultural development and industrialization must both be prioritized in our future Development Programmes. As Professor Arthur Lewis stated, “if agriculture remains stagnant, industry cannot grow.” Therefore, it is essential to integrate agricultural development and industrialization strategies to achieve sustainable economic growth.
Economic Planning Commission
The establishment of an Economic Planning Commission is crucial for effective economic planning. The National Economic Council should be reorganized to include the premiers of the Regions and their ministers responsible for economic matters. This reconstituted council will be responsible for setting policies, targets, and priorities, as well as coordinating economic activities across the federation. Additionally, the Joint Planning Committee should be transformed into a high-powered Economic Planning Commission consisting of qualified officials and known economists. This commission will develop detailed programmes and review Five Year Programmes as needed.
In conclusion, the Federal Government must prioritize agricultural development and collaborate with Regional Governments to achieve sustainable economic growth. By establishing an Agricultural Development and Finance Corporation and promoting industries for processing agricultural products, we can create employment opportunities, diversify our economy, and contribute to the welfare and happiness of our people. The establishment of an Economic Planning Commission will further enhance economic planning and coordination at the national level.
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 1: No Poverty – The article discusses the need for agricultural development to promote the welfare and happiness of the people, which aligns with the goal of eradicating poverty.
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The article emphasizes the importance of agricultural development and processing of agricultural products for both domestic consumption and export, which relates to the goal of achieving food security and improved nutrition.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article mentions that agricultural development can provide employment opportunities for young people, highlighting the connection to the goal of promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The article discusses the need for industries to process agricultural products for export, which aligns with the goal of promoting sustainable industrialization.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The article suggests the establishment of an Agricultural Development and Finance Corporation and the reorganization of the National Economic Council and Joint Planning Committee, indicating the importance of partnerships and collaboration for achieving sustainable development.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions – This target is relevant as the article discusses the role of agricultural development in improving the welfare of the people.
- Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists, and fishers – This target is connected to the article’s emphasis on agricultural development and its potential to increase income opportunities.
- Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labor-intensive sectors – This target is relevant as the article highlights the need for industries to process agricultural products for export, which can contribute to economic productivity.
- Target 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries – This target is addressed in the article’s discussion of the importance of industries in processing agricultural products and its potential for employment generation.
- Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources, to support the achievement of the sustainable development goals in all countries, in particular developing countries – This target is relevant as the article suggests the establishment of an Agricultural Development and Finance Corporation and the reorganization of the National Economic Council and Joint Planning Committee, indicating the need for partnerships to support sustainable development.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 1.2.1: Proportion of population living below the national poverty line, by sex and age – This indicator can be used to measure progress towards reducing poverty as discussed in the article.
- Indicator 2.3.1: Volume of production per labor unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size – This indicator can be used to measure the increase in agricultural productivity and incomes, particularly for small-scale food producers.
- Indicator 8.2.1: Annual growth rate of real GDP per employed person – This indicator can be used to measure economic productivity and the impact of diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation.
- Indicator 9.2.2: Manufacturing value added as a proportion of GDP and per capita – This indicator can be used to measure the share of employment and gross domestic product contributed by the manufacturing sector.
- Indicator 17.16.1: Number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder development effectiveness monitoring frameworks that support the achievement of the sustainable development goals – This indicator can be used to measure progress in enhancing global partnerships for sustainable development, including the establishment of the Agricultural Development and Finance Corporation and the reorganization of the National Economic Council and Joint Planning Committee.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 1: No Poverty | Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions | Indicator 1.2.1: Proportion of population living below the national poverty line, by sex and age |
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists, and fishers | Indicator 2.3.1: Volume of production per labor unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labor-intensive sectors | Indicator 8.2.1: Annual growth rate of real GDP per employed person |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries | Indicator 9.2.2: Manufacturing value added as a proportion of GDP and per capita |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize
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