ABSTRACT
The Nigerian agricultural sector is dominated by small scale farmers who by virtue of their low income have dwindling capacity to access and procure capital, labour and modern inputs. In theory, it is believed that foreign direct investment in agriculture (Zimbabwe farmers) is essential to ameliorate this problem of inadequate capital faced by the farmers and consequently raise agricultural productivity. However, debate relating to the veracity of this statement and the sustainability of the concept still rages on. This study therefore attempted to examine issues for the need for sustainable agricultural development and the role the Zimbabwe framers for mechanized agricultural development in Shonga, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria.
INTRODUCTION
By the year 2025, four fifths of the expected global population of 8.5 billion will be living in developing countries. The capacity of global resources and technologies to satisfy the demands of this growing population for food and other agricultural commodities is of serious concern. The challenge therefore is how to meet these needs mainly by sustainably increasing production and avoiding damaging environmentally sensitive areas. Improving the efficiency of the agriculture sector is an essential step toward sustainable development and poverty reduction, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Improved Agricultural Efficiency therefore is an important part of the solution since meeting this challenge requires production on land already in use (Omiti, Chacha and Andama, 2002; International Finance Corporation, (IFC), 2010).
In a bid to increase the level of food security in the country and reduce the incidence of
Poverty, the Nigerian government like most other developing countries has over the years embarked on numerous agricultural development strategies and policies. Inspite of all these laudable government policies and strategies at revamping the agricultural sector, the sector still remains relatively underdeveloped with an ever worsening food security situation (Olubiyo and Adewumi, 1997).
This study aims to capture the effects of the presence of the white Zimbabwe farmers on small scale farming system, which is prevalent in Kwara state, Nigeria. This paper would be divided into five sections, the introduction would focus on the overview for the need for sustainable Agricultural development in Nigeria, the second would look at the past Agricultural policies and its constrains in Nigeria, while the third session, would focus on the emergence of a new agricultural policy in Kwara state, the fourth would focus on the socio economic impact of the Zimbabwe farmers in Kwara state to Nigerian Agricultural development and section five would proffer necessary alternatives (recommendations)and conclusion.
