Sustainable Seeds Supply, Public Infrastructure, Research and Development (RandD) Expenditures inNigeria

Abstract

The rise of commercial public RandD and infrastructure expenditures in agriculture and the resulting innovations in improving yields, asset productivity and sustainability provide the means for meeting the food needs of the Nigerian growing population. To reach the goal, both the public and private sectors will need to keep the RandD and infrastructural pipeline flowing and make investment and commitments to ensure innovative technologies and techniques, which are required for the sustainability of agribusiness in Nigeria. The study revealed that for 5% increase in public RandD and decrease in infrastructure expenditures, the mean simulated improved cassava seed supply was N160.29 compared to N156.71 for the baseline while the mean simulated improved maize seed supply was N349.59 compared to N332.23 for the baseline. Similarly, for 5% increases in public RandD and infrastructure expenditures, the mean simulated improved cassava seed supply was N158.93 compared to N156.71 for the baseline while the simulated improved maize seed supply was N356.40 compared to N332.23 for the baseline. It is recommended that the development of road infrastructure is imperative for agriculture and overall economic growth as well as reducing transaction costs associated with agricultural activities hence reducing the costs of acquiring inputs.