Abstract
This paper explores how the knowledge of mathematics can be applied to the development of agriculture, the importance and how mathematics application on the farm could improve agricultural development. Mathematical applications can enhance agricultural development in many ways. Through simple measurements, the farmer can estimate the number of hectares cultivated per annum, his profit and loss margin per annum etc. Mathematics has enabled farming to be more economically efficient and has increased productivity. Furthermore, this paper explores some of the way which mathematics can be applied in farming; through proportions, units and measurements help in making conversions in the farm. Land is measured in acres and plot. We can use conversions to put an acre into perspective. Through estimation, farmers make use of estimation when calculating the yield of a certain field of crop. Through linear programming, it enables the farmer to create mathematical systems of equations and inequalities to help them make decisions about which crop to plant in which field. So with these ways in which mathematics can be applied in the farm, it is obvious that the dependency of agriculture on mathematics cannot be over emphasized. Therefore this will enable the farmers to apply the knowledge appropriately and to be able to pass the knowledge on so as to have a proper agricultural development in Nigeria which will help eradicate hunger in the country.
