CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
This study intent to look into what the federal government agriculture policies has done in putting food on the tables of the Nigeria citizenry which the Enugu north local government area as a case of study; also it seeks to know how farmers have benefited from the credit schemes, water resources, policies, inputs and mechanization, in duding information by extension workers concerning the new improved system of agriculture.
Agricultural policy is defined as a laid down approach established after a though investigation of the agricultural problems of the country. This policy is a reflection of Government action in the agricultural sector of the economy so as to bring speedy agricultural development. These policies have been made to achieve certain goals, which include:
ØTo provide sufficient food and fiber to meet national requirement at a reasonable price.
ØTo provide crops that can be exported to boost foreign exchange and
ØTo increase the standard of living an income levels of the rural people as well as the rural farmers
Enugu north local government is made up of therein major towns viz (i) Ogui Nike (II) Enugu Ngwo (iii) Umuome Nike, it is worthy to note that the local government is local in the urban.
Statement Of The Problem
(1) Inability of Agriculture To Claim Its Position In The Economy System.
(2) Persistence hunger and price increase despite Government effects.
(3) Government policy efforts in the agricultural sector may have been a mere talk.
(4) Most of the foods in the market are important.
Purpose Of The Study
The previous research works on this subject have revealed a gap between policy output and policy output and policy impact in the Agricultural sector. Researchers have shown that the impact of the Agricultural policies in not as heavy as they are to be by the policy empires.
It is therefore the specific purpose of this study to ascertain the extent of such gap and then try to proffer solutions or give advice on how best to administer future Agricultural policies for the people welfare.
Significance Of The Study
The study is very important especially in this era of bloated population and low-income earning ability of the teeming masses. The study, after evaluating the effects of the policies will help in future policy direction of the seven (7) point Agenda of the Federal Government and the (4) point Agenda of the Enugu State Government in which Agriculture has occupied a cardinal point. Secondly, the vision 20: 20: 20 of the Federal Government as well as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) have agriculture as a their driving wheel. Even at the Local Government Level the grass-root has to be sensitized on how to benefit from such policies by being provided with useful information.