Comparative Assessment of Public Policy Initiatives in the Agricultural Sector of Rivers State, Nigeria (2007-2020)

Edmund Felix Obomanu

doi:10.47191/ijsshr/v4-i6-08

Abstract

This paper examined how the second tier of government in Nigeria has been able to promote agriculture and food security through its programmes and policies using Rivers State as a paradigm. This responsibility is captured in the concurrent list as provided in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It adopts the political systems theory as its theoretical underpinning. Primary source of data were used through interviews of principal officers from the Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture, as well as Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency’s Songhai Initiative. The study observed that within the period under review, the administration embarked on various agricultural programmes. Amongst other recommendations is the need for continuation of programmes and policies of successive administrations, as well as the need for more proactive measures in the execution of public policies for efficient service delivery.

Highlights

That the major responsibility of any government is to meet the socio-economic needs of the citizenry cannot be overemphasized
This paper examines the policy initiatives of the Rivers State government of Nigeria in the agricultural sector over a period of eight (8) years
Objectives of the study: The objective of this study is to examine the process of initiation of policy by government using the agricultural sector in Rivers State as a case study; examine its objectives and effectiveness, as well as ascertain the extent to whiich such public policies have achieved the objectives of government

Summary

Introduction

That the major responsibility of any government is to meet the socio-economic needs of the citizenry cannot be overemphasized. When the individual does not get the needed protection and satisfaction, he certainly resorts to self-help in order to survive This development does not augur well for the state. Food is a basic necessity of man, and efforts by government to ensure food security is a veritable strategy to provide for the well-being of the citizenry In this regard, this paper examines the policy initiatives of the Rivers State government of Nigeria in the agricultural sector over a period of eight (8) years. Successive governments have striven to initiate programmes and policies in the agricultural sector to boost the economic lives of the citizenry. Despite the huge investment in the sector, agriculture is largely underdeveloped as most activities are carried out at the subsistence level This has resulted to the fact that there is still a high level of food importation into the country. The paper is divided into the following parts: Introduction; objectives of the study; statement of the problem, method of the study; theoretical framework; area of study; data presentation and analysis, conclusion and recommendation

Objectives

Methods

Findings

Conclusion