This dataset includes results of a survey conducted in Nigeria in 2018 to assess agricultural and food policy preferences of people residing in rural areas. The survey a best-worst-scaling (BWS) methodology. The BWS method entailed respondents completing a series of seven choice sets on which they were asked to select the best (most desirable) and worst (least desirable) use of funds if government were to increase its agricultural sector spending by Naira 25 billion (roughly 10% of the Ministry of Agriculture Budget in the survey years). Respondents each completed seven such choice sets, each including a different subset of four policy options from the seven total policy options (input subsidies, Food Reserve Authority, extension, crop R&D, infrastructure [roads and bridges], credit/loan, and regulatory capacity). Respondents also completed the same number of choice sets for a scenario in which government had to cut its agricultural sector spending by Naira 25 billion. Data were collected using the Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI) method.