ABSTRACT
Nigeria has an area of 941 849 sq.km., with a north-south extension of 1046 km, and an east-west extension of 1127 km. In most parts of Nigeria, the rural subsistence sector is the region least transformed by man. The rural subsistence sector is characterised by its dependence on the nearby towns and cities with which it has historical, cultural, and economic linkages. Another characteristic of the rural subsistence sector is the generally low level of productivity of both labour and land. A major feature of the traditional economy has been that of real, or disguised, full employment in the farming sector. Other than for domestic purposes, there is practically no use of fuels in the rural subsistence sector of Nigeria. The non-use of energy for agricultural purposes in the rural subsistence sector is indeed remarkable. As can be seen from the various policy measures in successive Development plans, the Government has persistently spearheaded the drive for agricultural transformation in Nigeria.
