THE ROLE OF COMMERCIAL BANKS IN AGRICULTURAL FINANCING IN ENUGU STATE A CASE STUDY OF FIRST BANK OF NIGERIA ENUGU

ABSTRACT
Until the mid-seventies, agriculture was the primary foreign exchange earner for Nigeria. Now it has lost its prime position to the oil sector. Of these factors, inadequate capital is considered as the single most important factor affecting the performance of the sector. This study therefore examined the role of commercial banks in agricultural financing. The result revealed that Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme fund from commercial banks produced a significant positive effect on agricultural productivity. It is recommended that farmers should be encouraged to be applying for loans from the participating banks to enhance their agricultural activities and productivity.