AGRICULTURE, ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA: SOME ISSUES
Abstract
Agriculture is the main occupation of the Nigerian people. However, agricultural practices whether traditional or modern degrade and pollute the environment and endanger the prospects of sustainable development. This article argues that the goals of agricultural development such as increased food and fiber production, raw materials for industries, employment generation and foreign exchange earnings are most likely to put increased pressure on the environment hence the need to manage and conserve the environment so as to avoid adverse consequences both now and in the future. Accordingly, to ensure continuous agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability in Nigeria, the paper recommended the following: the involvement and participation of farmers in government agricultural and environmental policy making; periodic survey of agricultural areas susceptible to environmental hazards; increased training and research; and the granting of incentives to farmers to enable them undertake necessary actions that will help to maintain and prevent environmental degradation.
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