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Nigeria's agricultural sector experienced a growth of 1.76 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to the previous quarter. However, in relation to the fourth quarter of the previous years under study, this represented a decline. Nonetheless, the overall growth rate reflects the ongoing importance of agriculture to Nigeria's economy, despite challenges facing the sector. Agriculture remains one of the crucial sources of employment and livelihood for many Nigerians.

Employment trends in agriculture

While agriculture continues to play a considerable role in Nigeria's economy, its share of total employment has been generally fluctuating recently. In 2023, the agricultural sector accounted for approximately 34 percent of the total employment. While this maintained the above 30 percent share observed since 2000, it represented a further decline. By extension, this trend suggests a slow but steady shift in the labor market, especially over the last three decades, with more workers moving into the services sector which now accounts for around 47.8 percent of total employment. The workforce transition from agriculture to services can be attributed mainly to rural-urban migration, technological advancement, and a rising informal sector. 

Land use and crop production

Nigeria's agricultural landscape is characterized by extensive land use, with approximately 36.9 million hectares of arable land and 7.7 million hectares under permanent crops as of 2022. Crop production, a key component of the agricultural sector, saw growth of 1.2 percent in the third quarter of 2024. Roots and tubers are the main agricultural products grown in the country, besides cereals and oil crops. Overall, the sector is important to Nigeria’s economic diversification.