Impact of Fruits and Vegetables Export on Economic Growth in Nigeria (1981-2019)

Abstract

This study empirically examined the impact of fruits and vegetables exports on economic growth in Nigeria covering the period 1981-2019. To actualize the aim of this study, data for the research were extracted from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) statistical bulletin, 2019. The method used in estimating the parameters of the model was the linear regression with the application of Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) technique and the Granger causality analysis. The major findings of the study are that fruits and vegetables exports contributes negatively but insignificantly to economic growth in Nigeria, government agricultural expenditures contribute negatively but insignificantly to economic growth in Nigeria and rainfall contributes negatively but insignificantly to economic growth. It is the recommendation of this study that; the government of Nigeria should encourage farmers by giving soft loans for agricultural activities especially for fruits and vegetables. This will help farmers meet up with financial needs in terms of purchasing some seeds, hiring machines, etc thereby boosting the massive production and exportation of fruits and vegetables in Nigeria.