Considering the Dynamics of Agricultural Schemes and Employment Generation in Kwara State, Nigeria

Agriculture is considered a catalyst for the overall development of any nation because it is a major element in employment creation for both developing and developed economies. However, inadequate access to financial resources by the numerous sparsely located farmers across Nigeria continues to inhibit the development of the agricultural sector. As a result of this problem, the study investigated the impact of the agricultural scheme on employment creation in Kwara State. Specifically, the study examined the effect of the agricultural funding scheme on employment creation in Kwara State, as well as reviewed the impact of agricultural tax policies on employment creation in Kwara State. Finally, the study assessed the impact of agricultural training and capacity-building programs on employment creation in Kwara State. Data were obtained through questionnaire administration. Descriptive statistics and logit regression were used to analyse the data obtained. The study revealed that agricultural funding scheme is a significant determinant of employment creation with coefficient value of 0.043 and at 1% level of significance, while agricultural tax policies are a significant determinant of employment creation with coefficient value of 0.037 at 1% level of significance, while Training and capacity building are a significant determinant of employment creation with coefficient value of 0.041 at 1% level of significance. The study revealed that agricultural funding schemes, agricultural tax policies, and agricultural training and capacity building significantly influenced employment creation in Kwara State, as shown with the coefficient values of 0.043, 0.037, and 0.041 at 1% level of significance. The study thus concludes that agricultural schemes impact on employment creation in Kwara State. Therefore, the study recommended based on the findings that the government of Kwara State should ensure budgetary allocation to the agricultural sector and monitor implementation in order to achieve employment creation, which will in turn enhance the growth and development of the Kwara State economy.