Abstract

E. O. Oriola

This paper reports the prospect of irrigation agriculture in transforming the dream of attaining the Millennium Development Goals to reality in Nigeria. Efforts of government at revitalizing agriculture before and after 2000 were highlighted. It identifies the poor attitude of Nigerian government towards productive agricultural system and the continuous importation of consumer goods that could otherwise be produced in the country as a reason why an average Nigerian farmer is wallowing in abject poverty. The irregular and erratic rainfall distribution over the country was observed as a mitigating factor against efficient agriculture system in Nigerian and irrigation was examined and conceptualized as an option for efficient agricultural system in Nigeria. Since there is a strong link between the MDGs and agriculture, a Millennium Development Goal attainment model was presented. It is opined that attaining high and sustainable food production through responsiveness of private sector and other stakeholders in irrigation will lead to higher income for farmers, such that they now have access to basic needs including farm inputs and pay other costs. At this level, hunger will vanish and attaining the MDGs will be easier and our dream will come true.