Agricultural Development in Nigeria : Trends in Oil Palm and Groundnut Production and Trade (1961-2007)

Agricultural development in Nigeria has evolved over time from 1961-1969, 1970- 1985, 1986-1993 and 1994-2007, this study is an attempt to draw insights on oil palm and groundnut production and trade trends as policies evolve. the objectives of the study were to estimate the growth rates of oil palm and groundnut output, yield, harvested area, import and export quantities; determine the sources of output growth; determine the variability in oil palm and groundnut yield, output, harvested area, import and export quantities; and to forecast future trends of output for the medium term (2008-2015). Data used for the study was obtained from FAOSTAT The findings showed that growth rate in output, yield and harvested area for groundnut and oil palm varied overtime and the main source of output growth was through expansion of area under cultivation for both crops. Policy implications focused on increasing productivity of land, labour and capital while ensuring a steady and flexible price stabilization policy to boost export.