In Sub Saharan Africa, agriculture’s contribution to employment and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is estimated to be higher than other sectors. Policies designed and implemented for the agricultural sector could be an influencing factor to the variations in the contributions of agriculture to the annual national GDP. These policies are believed to have shaped and (some) still shaping the landscape of agriculture and national economy. The study analysed agriculture’s GDP contribution during the implementation of various national agricultural policies, and the potential of the policies to foster agrobusiness development in Nigeria between 2000 and 2021. The study adopted mixed-method approach. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered on 29 purposively sampled state Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) directors across Nigeria. The questionnaire was face-validated by three experts. Reliability test was carryout using Cronbach Alpha approach, which yielded an index of 0.89. Copies of the questionnaire were administered on the respondents through direct contact. Secondary data were collected from the Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, National Bureau of Statistics, and World Bank. Data was analysed with mean, standard deviation, percentages and ANOVA. Findings of the study revealed that the performance of implemented agricultural policies had influence on agricultural sector’s percentage contribution to national GDP, and changes in agriculture’s GDP contribution had significant impact on national GDP growth. The duration of active life of the policies did not influence their performance, like the Root and Tuber Expansion Programme which lasted longer yet performed less than the National Special Programme on Food Security in terms of improvement in agriculture’s GDP contributions. All the policies implemented had several limitations in their ability to foster agribusinesses in Nigeria. The study recommends that future policies should focus on providing sustainable frameworks for developing the business in agriculture through value chain optimisation and the use of the teeming, young, and affordable labour force like China and India did to become global food producers.

Nigeria is a developing nation, having ample resources that could help grow and sustain agricultural enterprises and ensure job creation. However, the increasing number of graduates of vocational courses becoming job seekers is worrisome. This study examines the perceptions of Nigerian university students about vocational studies and their entrepreneurial aspirations after graduation. The study examines the opinions of 251 respondents through the lens of Archer’s agency and structure theory. The study considers the transition issues from learning skills to earning income for a living. Findings of the study reveal that most graduates of vocational agriculture are less likely to establish a farm/enterprise of their own and the majority want to obtain certificates required for securing employment in paying jobs. The study recommends setting up and maintaining a transition phase for graduates of vocational courses to provide the opportunity to practise learned skills and encourage the possibility of inspiring entrepreneurship.

The study explored the effectiveness of physic nut (Jatropha curcas) in the control of cowpea weevils (Callosobruchus maculatus). The repellence, mortality rates and progeny emergence of weevils were observed, as well as germination viability of the treated cowpea seeds. The study adopted experimental research, using complete randomized block design. The results showed that seed powder extract of physic nut is effective in disrupting the normal activities of the weevils. However, the repellence and mortality rates of the weevils depended on the dosage administered and the duration of exposure to the treatment. The treatment was found to be most effective at 20 g, where repellence and mortality rates were 53.3% and 60.0%, respectively, while 0 progeny emergence occurred during the experimental period. The treated seeds were also found to be viable for planting as there was 100% seed germination. The study adds to the literature on innovative, sustainable and indigenous pest control measures in post-harvest storage of edible seeds in Africa.

This study focused on how altered climate has affected the livelihood of the farmer and the farming families in Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. This study had two research questions and two hypotheses. The population for the study was 246,807 made up of registered farmers. Proportionate stratified random sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 4,936 as respondents. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The instrument was face validated by three experts. Cronbach alpha method was used to determine the internal consistency of the questionnaire items which yielded a coefficient of 0.81. Mean, standard deviation, and t-test were used for data analysis. The findings of the study revealed that altered climate have adversely influenced the livelihood and living conditions of the farmer and the farming families in the area studied. Findings further revealed that the altered climate has led to increased poverty level and raised cost of production (input and labour cost), thus affecting farmers hitherto coordinated livelihood. Adoption of local adaptation approaches will help the farmers survive. Key words: Farmer, flooding, sea level rise, rainfall, sustainable agriculture.