An Investigation of the Non-Financial Service Industry’s Agricultural Development Programmes in Benue State Since 1976

Abstract

Several studies have examined the role of the financial service industry in agricultural development in Benue State. However, this study takes a different dimension by focusing on the non-financial service agricultural development programmes in Benue State since 1976. In doing this, specific attention has been paid to the establishment of the Benue State Ministry of Agriculture, Benue State Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC), Benue Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (BNARDA), and Benue Tractor Hiring Agency (BENTHA). Using extant and oral sources, the paper discusses the establishment, activities, impact, and defects of the aforementioned programmes. The study found that the major challenges that bedevilled these programmes were poor maintenance culture leading to decay of the agricultural facilities and equipment, and corruption, amongst others. It concludes that irrespective of the challenges; the aforementioned programmes have contributed at least marginally to the course of agricultural development in the State.