The role of agriculture in accelerating economic growth and development process of any nation cannot be overemphasized. However, in Nigeria, the sector has suffered severe neglect, due in part, from the windfall from the discovery of oil in the 1970s and other structural rigidities. The study investigated the constraints to agricultural development in Nigeria using time series data spanning the period 1970 – 2010 and contemporary econometric methods of unit root test, co-integration and error-correction mechanism. Empirical findings reveal that rainfall, exchange rate and food export (lag one) are the most significant positive determinants of agricultural output in Nigeria. However, food imports, diversion of funds meant for agricultural purposes and low technology diffusion in agriculture are among the factors identified as constraints to agricultural development in Nigeria. The study recommends among others, maintenance of stable and favourable exchange rate regime, and the pursuance of programmes that will bolster partnerships between research institutions and other stake holders in agriculture as a route to facilitating agricultural development and hence, economic development in Nigeria.
Keywords: Agricultural Constraints, Agricultural Development, Economic Development, Food Export
