Employment in the Nigerian Agricultural Labour Market: Barriers and Forecast

Although the Agricultural sector is an important source of employment in Nigeria, it has been experiencing a rapid decline in employment share since 2001. While economic theory predicts such a decline, the challenge of high unemployment rate in rural areas and the low capacity utilization in manufacturing raise further concerns among academics and policy makers. Namely, the pressing challenge of how to commercialize and raise the productivity of agriculture to boost employment uptake. Against this background, the study reviewed the demand and supply side barriers in the agricultural labour market. Also forecasted employment as well as suggested policies for a more efficient agricultural labour market.