Induced urbanization, agricultural productivity and poverty incidence nexus: a further test of Kuznets hypothesis in Nigeria

Muritala A. Oke, University of Lagos

This paper examined the nexus between urbanization, agricultural productivity and the incidence of poverty using Kuznets Hypothesis for the period 1980 to 2013. The analysis once again validates the existence of Kuznet’s hypothesis in Nigeria and thus indicates the continuous movement of Nigerians from the rural agricultural community to towns and cities. Rural agriculture has not improved the living conditions of many in the sector as its practice remains subsistence and crude leading to heavy dependence on food importation. Urbanization has brought about grave challenges in Nigeria as many that left for the cities and towns were unable to find their ways to schools; get jobs or improve their living conditions and consequently an escalation of social vices in the cities and towns. The study advocated the re-planning of development policies to engender better living for over 70 percent of Nigerians currently living below the poverty line.