Background of the Study
Land degradation is a significant environmental challenge affecting agricultural productivity and food security, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions like Yobe State. As a predominantly agrarian society, the state relies heavily on farming and livestock rearing for economic sustenance and food supply. However, the increasing rate of land degradation due to desertification, deforestation, soil erosion, and unsustainable farming practices has led to declining agricultural yields, exacerbating food insecurity in the region (Bello & Yusuf, 2024).
According to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD, 2023), Nigeria loses approximately 350,000 hectares of land annually to desertification, with Yobe State being one of the most affected areas. The depletion of arable land has resulted in reduced food production, forcing many farming communities to depend on external food aid. In addition, conflicts over dwindling land resources have intensified, further disrupting agricultural activities and worsening food shortages (Ahmed & Musa, 2023).
Despite government and non-governmental efforts to implement land rehabilitation programs, such as afforestation and irrigation projects, the impact of land degradation on food security in Yobe State remains poorly documented. This study seeks to establish the relationship between land degradation and food insecurity, assess the effectiveness of current mitigation strategies, and propose sustainable solutions to enhance agricultural productivity in the region.
Statement of the Problem
Food insecurity is a growing concern in Yobe State, where land degradation has significantly reduced agricultural productivity. Farmers face increasing challenges due to declining soil fertility, loss of vegetation cover, and erratic rainfall patterns, leading to lower crop yields and livestock losses (Ali & Ibrahim, 2023). As a result, many households struggle to meet their daily nutritional needs, with malnutrition rates rising among vulnerable populations, including children and pregnant women.
Although various land restoration projects have been introduced, their success has been limited due to inadequate policy implementation, poor community participation, and a lack of sustainable land management practices. There is an urgent need to investigate the extent of land degradation in Yobe State and its direct impact on food security to develop effective strategies for land conservation and agricultural sustainability.
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on assessing land degradation and food insecurity in selected farming communities in Yobe State. Data will be collected from agricultural reports, satellite imagery, and surveys with local farmers.
Limitations may include difficulties in obtaining long-term environmental data, variations in farming practices across different areas, and external factors such as climate change and conflict that may influence food security.
Definition of Terms
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