ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the historical evolution of agricultural research organization in Nigeria, and examines the meaning of agricultural research policy within a developmental context. It analyses agricultural research resource allocation priorities, and identifies the key issues in agricultural research policy in a developing economy. The evolution of Nigeria's agricultural research system conforms with V. W. Ruttan's classification of the origins of research institutes. The evolution of the national agricultural research system has mirrored developments in the agricultural sector. The inability of the national agricultural research system to spearhead the structural transformation of the Nigerian agricultural economy suggests a need to identify the critical issues involved in developing an effective system. Agricultural research policy objectives are derived from agricultural sector objectives, which are derived from overall macroeconomic objectives. The historical circumstances of the evolution of Nigeria's agricultural research system have almost guaranteed the lack of integration of research, extension, and training.
