COMMERCIAL BANK CREDIT AND AGRICULTURAL OUTPUT IN NIGERIA (1982-2007)

ABSTRACT

This research examined the impact of commercial bank credit for agricultural production in Nigeria using macroeconomic variables (of commercial bank credit and agricultural products). The overall objective of the study is to examine to what extent the credits of commercial banks had supported agricultural production Nigeria. The specific objectives are: (i) to determine the impact of trade credit banks on agricultural production in Nigeria, and (i) to determine the impact of agricultural production on economic growth in Nigeria. The methodology adopted for the study was ordinary least squares (OLS) involving t-test of the student, to test the significance of the individual parameter estimate, the F-test, to test the significance of the regression plane overall, adjusted R2 and R2 to test the joint influence of the explanatory variables on the dependent variable.numerous raw materials into marketable finished products that are required in our daily existence as a people and as a nation. The sector generates foreign exchange through the exportation of its finished products. Realizing the importance of this sector, Nigerian government had before now, made concerted efforts to give reasonable support and assistance to the realization of the growth of the manufacturing sector in Nigerian economy. It is greatly accepted that the oil boom of the 70’s greatly improved Nigeria’seconomyand earned her industries need foreign exchange to import raw materials. Regrettably, thus boom changed drastically in the 80’s with the dwindling oil revenue. The effect however saw the folding up of some industries, thus, negatively affecting the manufacturing sector of the economy. The harsh economic situation of the time wholly informed that sectors should be opened so as to supplement the poor oil revenue. This unpleasant economic condition got worse with military leadership which was considered unstable. Yet, the manufacturing sector remains the most wanted sector to supplement the foreign exchange earnings of the oil sector through exportation of their finished products. Nevertheless, military regimes are known not to offer enabling environment for effective industrial growth but with the emergence of a democratically elected government in May 1999, the Nigerian nation started Finally, Durbin-Watson statistics (DW) was used to verify the presence or absence of serial correlation data. After the regression, the result shows that: firstly, agricultural production and the commercial bank credit to agriculture and the real interest rate have contributed to economic growth in Nigeria. Second, there is general agreement that Nigeria agricultural sector is severely underfunded. Finally, the share of actual expenditures that went to the agricultural sector in relation to adverse action that went to other sectors. Based on the foregoing, the researcher has the fluidity suggestions: It is necessary to improve the monitoring system of public expenditure in the agricultural sector. There is also the need to clarify the roles of the three levels of government in the provision of agricultural services.