National agricultural information management system in Nigeria: a conceptual framework

The paper reviews the state of agricultural literature control in Nigeria. The problems of data inconsistencies, scarcity of relevant information and dilemmas faced by policy makers, planners and agriculturists are described. The paper reveals that foreign-based bibliographical services do not adequately cover literature emanating from the country. A conceptual framework for the evolution of a national agricultural information management system will involve a functional integration of all agencies and individuals involved in the production, processing, provision, and utilisation of agricultural information. Critical decisions and actions that will enhance the evolution process include a commissioned inventorization of all grey literature and agricultural information resources at both Federal and State Agriculture Ministries, a systematic documentation of resources in the research and academic institutions and, the exploitation of the awesome capabilities of information technology in harnessing a nation's rich information heritage.