HORTICULTURAL CROP PRODUCTION IN STRENGTHENING FOOD SECURITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NIGERIA

This paper conceptually examined the role of horticultural crop production in enhancing food
security and economic growth in Nigeria. Guided by the Agricultural Development Theory, the
study reviewed 27 works published between 2002 and 2025, covering Nigerian and international
contexts. The analysis drew exclusively on secondary sources, including government reports,
journal articles, and policy documents, with emphasis on documented evidence. The findings
show that horticulture is a key component of Nigeria’s agricultural sector, contributing to
nutrition, employment generation, and economic resilience. By consolidating fragmented
evidence, the study highlights horticulture’s potential to address food insecurity and promote
sustainable development. It recommends strengthening agricultural extension services,
providing soft loans to horticultural farmers, and encouraging public–private partnerships to
enhance productivity and competitiveness. Overall, the study underscores the strategic role of
horticulture in advancing food security and inclusive economic growth in Nigeria.