Analysis of the Contribution of the Agricultural Sector to Employment Generation in Nigeria (1999 – 2021)

Abstract

This research is on Analysis of the Contribution of Agricultural Sector to Employment Generation in Nigeria. Secondary data sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria statistical bulletin and National Bureau of Statistics between 1999 and 2021 were used for data analysis. The Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression analysis technique was used to estimate and to obtain values for the parameters. The result revealed that though the agricultural sector has significantly contributed to employment generation but not to the extent of lowering the unemployment rate. This is due to the magnitude of the size of the unemployed in Nigeria. It is therefore recommended that since the agricultural sector holds a lot of potentials for employment generation but many yet see agricultural practice as derogatory; there is the need for more awareness to be created and needed machines and equipment purchase to ensure that more people especially young graduates are encouraged to come into agricultural practice rather than waiting for the never forthcoming white collar jobs; as such, the government should create enabling environment for the agricultural sector to thrive. Likewise, there is the need to dwell on the value chain addition of agricultural sector products as this also have potentials of creating more employment opportunities for the unemployed in Nigeria if driven with the right technology. It is through this that the agricultural sector can make significant contribution to employment generation in Nigeria.