Eleventh Global Studies Conference

Abstract

The work examines the relationship between agricultural policies and poverty reduction in Nigeria using Nasarawa state as a case for analysis. The study is therefore unravels the extent to which agricultural policies have impacted poverty reduction in the state. The research also x-rays the challenges affecting the implementation of agricultural policies in the state with a view to addressing them. The theoretical argument in this study stems from the fact that public office holders have essentially failed to engender the needed policies aimed at reducing poverty through agricultural production. Thus, the inability of the policy makers, represented by the political office holders who are supposed to be custodians of effective policies, have themselves become agents of impoverishment of their people. This is exemplified by their failure to approximate available human and material resources of the state in order to achieve the goals of poverty reduction. The study adopted a survey technique as means of data gathering. The study therefore used both primary and secondary sources of data collection. The major tools applied in the survey are questionnaires, Focus Group Discussion (FGD), and personal observation methods. Data will be collected and analyzed using simple percentage analysis. The decision making theory as popularized by scholars such as Blaise Pascal, Herbert Simon, Chester Barnard, and Oseweshe will be adopted as a theory underpinning the research. The theory explains the complex nature of societies just the way there are complex social problems. To be able to resolve these problems require some level of tact and rationality by public office holders who are literally in control of affairs of state. Basically, there is need for alternative choices to be taken by the managers of state in order to realize overall corporate socio-economic objectives in the general interest of members of the society. Unfortunately however, the nature of the increasing role and vested interests of decision makers in society has been a major obstacle to socio-economic development and transformation including agriculture and poverty reduction policies.