THE NATIONAL ROOT CROPS RESEARCH INSTITUTE, UMUDIKE, ABIA STATE, 1976-2014

SOURCE:

Faculty: Arts
Department: History & International Studies

CONTRIBUTORS:

Chukwuleta, C. O.
Chukwu, D. O.

ABSTRACT:

Nigeria as a country understands the place of agriculture in her economic and national development. Over the years, various steps aimed at increasing agricultural output by many branches of government in the country have been taken. The development of research institutes leads to an increase in efficiency and potential creation in increasing agricultural products, thereby reducing the pressure on natural resources. This study examines the National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, Abia State, between 1976 and 2014. The study is borne out of the curiosity to examine the Institute’s, mandate, vision, organisation, operational activities, operational structure, impact on the growth of agriculture, problems and its comprehensive role in the development of the agricultural sector. Qualitative approach of historical research method is adopted in analysing the information derived from the primary and secondary sources. Findings, however, show that there are numerous challenges of the Institute which account for why it has not been able to optimize its full potentials as an agricultural research institute. The study concludes by proffering recommendations which include increased funding by the federal and state governments, national and international research centres. It also recommends the removal of bureaucratic bottlenecks, improvement of the relevance and responsiveness of research to clients as well as making the institutional base for agricultural research more pluralistic, and the establishment of more agricultural research institutes for the eastern part of the country.