From the beginning of the world, God created the heaven and the Earth, created the garden of Eden. This marked the beginning of the practice of agriculture on earth.
Agriculture is the science of practice of farming. It is divided into two broad categories namely the industrial and the subsistence farming.
Industrialized agriculture is the type of agriculture where large quantities of crops and livestock are produced through industrialized techniques for the purpose of sale. The goal of industrialized agriculture is to increase crop yield, which is the amount of food produced for each unit of land. Crops and livestock made through this type of agriculture are produced to feed large numbers of people and to also sell in the market.
Subsistence agriculture, on the other hand, is when a farmer lives on a small amount of land and produces enough food to feed his or her household. The goal of subsistence agriculture is to produce enough food to ensure the survival of the individual family. If there is excess food produced, it is sold locally to other families or individuals.
In Nigeria today, the agricultural sector is taking the back seat due to the intricate problems plaguing it.
Some of the problems among others are climate change and low rainfall that affects agricultural produces.
Insecurity is also another challenge affecting the agricultural sector. There have been recorded cases of how cattle owned and reared by the Fulanis destroy farm produce which poses threats to the agricultural sector.
Also, poor maintenance of agricultural machinery which has affected the growth of agriculture in Nigeria. Many farmers are not properly equipped with the needed modern equipment which often make them resort to crude method of farming.
The youths’ quest for white collar jobs is also a setback to the agricultural sector in Nigeria as most of the youths are not interested in farming instead seek white collar jobs which are not even available, neglecting the should-be major source of revenue generation to Nigeria.
The problems of agriculture can best be solved by the government, and part of the ways of reviving agriculture is via providing adequate farming facilities and funds to farmers to ensure agricultural sustainability.
Also, orientating and encouraging the youths on why they should engage and venture into agriculture after having provided the needed machinery and materials.
This reminds me of a song titled Iwe-Kiko by Aderanti where it was lamented the neglect of agriculture by youths in Nigeria.
The truth is, no man can live without food. But yet, we keep abandoning the source of its provision. Our lands are arable, heritage from our forefathers; they should not be allowed to waste away.
Adeyemo Taiwo is an ND2 student of the department of Mass Communication
