TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT. ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS……………………………………………………....iii
CHAPTER ONE. 1
INTRODUCTION. 1
1.1 Background to the Study. 1
1.2 Statement of the Problem.. 3
1.3 Objectives of the Study. 4
1.4 Research Questions. 5
1.5 Research Hypothesis. 5
1.6 Significance of the Study. 5
1.7 Scope of the Study. 6
1.8 Limitations of the Study. 7
1.9 Organization of the Study. 7
1.10 Definition of Terms. 8
CHAPTER TWO.. 10
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE. 10
2.1 Introduction. 10
2.2 Theoretical Review.. 10
2.2.1 Theory of Genetic Modification. 10
2.2.2 Theory of Biofortification. 11
2.2.3 Theory of Sustainable Agriculture. 11
2.2.4 Theory of Climate Resilience. 11
2.3 Conceptual Review.. 12
2.3.1 Overview.. 12
2.3.2 Current Agricultural Landscape in Nigeria. 12
2.3.3 The Potential of Biotechnology. 13
2.3.4 Enhancing Crop Yields. 13
2.3.5 Improving Nutritional Value. 13
2.3.6 Addressing Climate Change. 14
2.3.7 Socioeconomic Implications. 14
2.3.8 Regulatory Framework. 14
2.3.9 Considerations. 15
2.3.10 Studies. 15
2.4 Empirical Review.. 16
2.5 Summary of Literature Review.. 18
CHAPTER THREE. 20
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY. 20
CHAPTER FOUR. 24
DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION. 24
4.1 Preamble. 24
4.2 Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Respondents. 24
TABLES BASED ON RESEARCH QUESTIONS. 28
4.3 Analysis of the Respondents’ Views on Research Question one: 28
4.4 Testing Hypothesis. 39
CHAPTER FIVE. 43
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 43
REFERENCES. 47
APPENDICES. 51
Appendix I: Research Questionnaire. 51
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the StudyTop of Form
Increased crop yields are crucial for global food security and can be considered a component of sustainable agriculture (Zhang et al., 2023). Traditional or conventional crossing methods in agriculture have resulted in rapid crop development, although they are sometimes inefficient and flawed (Gan & Lin, 2022). The nature of agriculture has transformed with biotechnology in terms of crop yield, creation of crops resistant to pests and better quality. By taking this revolutionary approach, scientists have taken the first steps towards unlocking the possibility of increasing crop yields by systematically switching on or off the target genes (Kishchenko et al., 2020).
As per the estimation, the number of people on this planet will be around 9.7 billion in the year 2050 (United Nations, 2015), which will bring up new questions in terms of food security and agricultural sustainability. Increasing crop yields while minimizing the environmental impact of agriculture is crucial to ensure food security for future generations. Crop improvement is now being optimized by genetic engineering and biotechnology especially considering advanced breeding techniques. The introduction and subsequent modification of molecular marker-assisted selection has paved way for narrowing the scope of research on specific targets.
To conventional agriculture low yield crops with gaps in nutrition can be supplemented with modern approaches such as biotechnology in the form of GMOs and new breeding practices. The synergy between science and agriculture is regarded as a key factor in sustaining development and enhancing economic progress of the country.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO, 2021), biotechnological methods can help address these problems by creating some varieties of crops which are less susceptible to environmental stress factors and pest enhancement. Such advances not only ensure enhanced production but also enhance the level of food security in the region. In addition, the biofortified crops, such as cassava enriched with Vitamin A and beans fortified with iron, are considered quite effective (HarvestPlus, 2022). The recent biotechnological methods to biofortify crops are expected to help alleviate deficiencies in micronutrients and their effects on health, particularly in children and pregnant women. As pointed out by World Health Organization (WHO, 2020), it is important to note that the application of biotechnology to change the nutritional content of crops should be a major strategy in tackling malnutrition.
If well adopted, agriculture should spearhead economic advancement in Nigeria, that is the planting of such crops would after all be easier. But to broadly adopt biotechnology to solve Nigeria’s crop and livestock problems, policy barriers and mindset change are required.
Correcting the inequalities existing in people’s minds with regards their thoughts on GMOs or any wider scope of biotechnology requires education and outreach. National Biotechnology Development Agency, NABDA (2023) has been working on the promotion of the acceptance of biotechnology in Agriculture. With respect to the futuristic dispensations, Nigeria seems to be in the right direction as they are just at the brink of a second agricultural revolution that is bound to change their food systems and lift the income of many people.
It is against this background that this study seeks to examine the role of biotechnology in improving crop yields and nutritional value in Nigeria.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Nigeria faces significant challenges in achieving food security and improving the nutritional status of its population. Despite being an agriculturally rich country, the agricultural sector is hindered by low crop yields due to adverse environmental conditions, pests, and diseases. Traditional farming methods often struggle to keep pace with the growing population and the increasing demand for food. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO, 2021) highlights that Nigeria's agricultural productivity is among the lowest globally, with farmers facing persistent issues such as soil degradation and climate change impacts. These factors not only threaten food availability but also contribute to widespread malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable groups like children and pregnant women.
Moreover, the nutritional value of staple crops remains inadequate, leading to micronutrient deficiencies that affect overall health and development. Despite advances in agricultural research, there is a lag in the adoption of biotechnological solutions that can enhance both crop yields and nutritional quality. According to HarvestPlus (2022), biofortified crops have the potential to address malnutrition effectively, yet public misconceptions and regulatory challenges hinder their widespread implementation in Nigeria. The urgent need for effective agricultural innovations underscores the importance of biotechnology as a viable solution to improve both food security and nutrition in the country.Top of Form
Bottom of Form
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of the study is to examine The Role of biotechnology to improve crop yields and nutritional value in Nigeria. Specific objectives of the study are:
- 1. To assess the current state of biotechnology adoption and its impact on crop yields and nutritional value in Nigeria.
- To identify the specific biotechnology techniques and applications that have the greatest potential to enhance crop yields and nutritional value in Nigerian agricultural systems.
- To evaluate the economic, social, and environmental implications of biotechnology adoption in Nigeria.
1.4 Research Questions
To guide the study and achieve the objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:
- What are the current levels of biotechnology adoption in Nigerian agriculture, and how do they vary across different regions and crop types?
- What are the specific biotechnology techniques and applications that have demonstrated the greatest potential for improving crop yields and nutritional value in Nigeria?
- What are the economic benefits and challenges associated with biotechnology adoption in Nigeria, including impacts on farmers' incomes, food prices, and rural development?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
The following research hypothesis was developed and tested for the study:
Ho: Biotechnology does not have a significant effect on improving crop yields and nutritional value in Nigeria.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The study is important for many reasons. The following are the major stakeholders this paper through its practical and theoretical implications and findings will be of great significance:
Firstly, the paper will benefit major stakeholders and policy makers in the Crop Science sector. The various analysis, findings and discussions outlined in this paper will serve as a guide in enabling major positive changes in the industry and sub-sectors.
Secondly, the paper is also beneficial to the organizations used for the research. Since first hand data was gotten and analyzed from the organization, they stand a chance to benefit directly from the findings of the study in respect to their various organizations. These findings will fast track growth and enable productivity in the organizations used as a case study.
Finally, the paper will serve as a guide to other researchers willing to research further into the subject matter. Through the conclusions, limitations and gaps identified in the subject matter, other student and independent researchers can have a well laid foundation to conduct further studies.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study is delimited to National Root Crops Research Institute, Lagos. Findings and recommendations from the study reflects the views and opinions of respondents sampled in the area. It may not reflect the entire picture in the population.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
The major limitations of the research study are time, financial constraints and delays from respondents. The researcher had difficulties combining lectures with field work. Financial constraints in form of getting adequate funds and sponsors to print questionnaires, hold Focus group discussions and logistics was recorded. Finally, respondents were a bit reluctant in filling questionnaires and submitting them on time. This delayed the project work a bit.
1.9 Organization of the Study
The study is made up of five (5) Chapters. Chapter one of the study gives a general introduction to the subject matter, background to the problem as well as a detailed problem statement of the research. This chapter also sets the objectives of the paper in motion detailing out the significance and scope of the paper.
Chapter Two of the paper entails the review of related literature with regards to corporate governance and integrated reporting. This chapter outlines the conceptual reviews, theoretical reviews and empirical reviews of the study.
Chapter Three centers on the methodologies applied in the study. A more detailed explanation of the research design, population of the study, sample size and technique, data collection method and analysis is discussed in this chapter.
Chapter Four highlights data analysis and interpretation giving the readers a thorough room for the discussion of the practical and theoretical implications of data analyzed in the study.
Chapter Five outlines the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the study. Based on objectives set out, the researcher concludes the paper by answering all research questions set out in the study.
1.10 Definition of Terms
1. Biotechnology
A collection of techniques that use living organisms or their components to develop or modify products, enhance agricultural processes, and improve food quality and safety.
2. Genetic Modification
The direct manipulation of an organism's genes using biotechnology, allowing for the introduction of desirable traits such as pest resistance or improved nutritional content in crops.
3. Crop Yield
The total quantity of crop produced per unit area, typically measured in tons per hectare, which is crucial for ensuring food security in agricultural regions.
4. Nutritional Value
The content of essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and proteins, in food crops, which can be enhanced through biotechnological methods to address dietary deficiencies.
5. Sustainable Agriculture
Farming practices that meet current food needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs, often involving the use of biotechnology to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
6. Drought Resistance
The ability of a crop to survive and produce yields in conditions of limited water availability, which can be enhanced through genetic engineering techniques to help farmers cope with climate variability in Nigeria.
7. Biofortification
The process of increasing the nutritional value of food crops through biotechnology, such as enriching staple crops with vitamins and minerals to combat malnutrition and enhance public health.
