Social and Political Drivers Affecting Wheat Production in Nigeria

Abstract

Social and political factors are believed to be affecting agricultural operations in a way that stagnates their growth or leads to the total collapse of the system. A study on social and political factors affecting wheat crop production in Nigeria was conducted with the aim of exploring those factors for proper solutions. Primary data was collected through national stakeholders’ focus group discussion while time series data of the country's wheat production, harvested area, and imports was collected. MAXQDA statistical software was used to analyze the focus group discussion report, while compound growth rate analysis was used to compare the growth rate of the variables under study. The results indicated the extent to which political factors affect wheat production in Nigeria more than others. The degree to which external social factors affect the sector was less when compared with political factors and more than internal social factors. Non-adoption of recommended agronomic practices and the knowledge level of the farmers were the major internal social factors. While the major external social factors were consumer food habits, consumer demand for convenience, low produce prices, and high input costs. Political factors identified were social security issues, inconsistent government policies, and intricacies in implementation, the role of the publication media, role playing by the milling industries, international trade interests, and lack of political will. The result also indicated that the total average growth rate of production was negative, and positive growth was recorded in the harvested area, with a high percentage recorded in imports. For Nigeria to achieve the desired outcome, focused commitments and the adoption of a multi-dimensional approach are required.