Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumAgriculture Sector: Roles, Problems, and Development Policies

Which of the following best describes the primary economic objective behind the creation of the River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) in Nigeria?

  1. Promoting all-year-round crop production through irrigation infrastructure and water resource managementAnswer
  2. B
    Fixing minimum guaranteed prices for major agricultural export commodities
  3. C
    Providing concessionary direct micro-credit loans directly to smallholder farmers
  4. D
    Privatizing state-owned agricultural estates to attract foreign direct investment

Answer

The primary objective of the River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) in Nigeria is promoting all-year-round crop production through irrigation infrastructure and water resource management.
The River Basin Development Authorities were instituted to construct dams, reservoirs, and irrigation channels across major natural hydrological basins in Nigeria. Their central goal is to foster multi-cropping and continuous all-year-round farming independent of seasonal rainfall variations.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the mandate of River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs)
RBDAs were established in 1976 to manage surface and underground water resources across major river basins in Nigeria.
Understanding the specific operational focus of key Nigerian agricultural development institutions allows accurate differentiation from credit or marketing agencies.
2
Evaluate the core agricultural challenge addressed by RBDAs
Nigerian agriculture historically suffered from reliance on rainfall, causing seasonal food shortages.
Constructing dams, canals, and irrigation networks enables farming activities during dry seasons, fulfilling the primary objective of RBDAs.

Key Concept

River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) and Agricultural Development Policies in Nigeria
Rate this question

Topics

Agriculture Sector: Roles, Problems, and Development Policies