Government Expenditure on Agriculture and Economic Growth in Nigeria

This study empirically examined the impact of government expenditure on agriculture on economic growth in Nigeria over the years. A time series data of 33 years sourced from the Central bank of Nigeria was used. Ordinary Least Square (OLS) technique of data analysis was used in evaluating the secondary data. GDP was used as a proxy to economic growth, while agricultural output and government expenditure on agriculture were used as indicators of government expenditure on agriculture. From the findings; agricultural output, government expenditure and GDP are positively related. It was found that a significant relationship exist between government expenditure in the agricultural sector and the economic growth in Nigeria. The findings also revealed that the sector still encounter some problems like inadequate finance, poor infrastructure, and others. Therefore, the study recommends that it is imperative for the country to develop its agricultural sector through sufficient government spending in order to set-up its economic growth. It emphasizes the need to enlighten farmers, improve and provide infrastructures, accord a priority to the sector in budget allocation, enthrone adequate and appropriate extension services, among other measures laid by the government.