Summary
Highlights
Agriculture is derived from two Latin words: 'ager' meaning field and 'cultura' meaning cultivation, initially implying field cultivation. However, a more complete definition considers agriculture as the science and art of cultivating crops and rearing animals for human use.
Agriculture provides food, employment opportunities (for a significant portion of the Nigerian population), foreign exchange through export, income for farmers, raw materials for clothing (cotton, wood, hides), shelter (wood), and various industries. It also facilitates recreation and tourism (game reserves) and creates a market for industrial products like farm machinery and fertilizers.
Animal science contributes to efficient management of farm animals, better animal productivity, meat and egg production, development of new animal breeds, and improved feeds for growth and productivity.
Veterinary medicine ensures better health management for farm animals, controls pests and parasites, manages animal diseases, produces vaccines for animal health care, and provides better meat inspection after slaughter.
Crop science aids in effective crop management, development of better planting materials, correct crop spacing, optimal productivity, optimum plant population, optimal harvest times, development of improved and disease-resistant crop varieties, healthy plant production, and management of crop diseases and pests.
Soil science focuses on maintaining soil fertility, proper soil classification and mapping, erosion control methods, moisture conservation, efficient tillage operations, and the application of appropriate fertilizers for different soil types.
This branch promotes agricultural marketing, exposes farmers to sources of farm finance, teaches cooperative farming, ensures management of agricultural resources, promotes good farming accounting practices, and provides for adequate farm planning and budgeting.
Agricultural engineering involves the development of processing and storage equipment, mechanization of farm operations, maintenance of farm tools and implements, development of appropriate farm tools, and enhancement of irrigation and drainage systems.
Agricultural extension disseminates information from research institutes to rural farmers, trains farmers, provides agricultural information, offers support services, and links farmers to researchers.
This branch promotes the conservation of forest products and wildlife, creates microclimates, serves as a source of medicinal products, and ensures the maintenance of soil fertility.
Fishery promotes fish production, better fish management, improved fishing practices, effective fish processing, and the provision of fish meals.
Apiculture, or bee farming, provides employment, honey for local consumption and export (earning foreign exchange), and other products like beeswax for industrial purposes such as candles and cosmetics.
Heliculture, or snail farming, is a good source of animal protein, provides essential minerals like iron, and snail shells are a source of calcium, with other uses in various industries.