Background of the Study
Agriculture plays a vital role in Nigeria’s economy, contributing to food security, employment, and economic stability. However, conventional farming methods have led to severe environmental pollution due to the excessive use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and unsustainable land management practices (Adegbite & Usman, 2024). Sustainable farming practices, which promote environmentally friendly techniques such as organic farming, agroforestry, and soil conservation, have been advocated as solutions to mitigate environmental degradation.
Kaduna State, located in northwestern Nigeria, has a diverse agricultural landscape with a significant proportion of smallholder farmers. However, widespread deforestation, land degradation, and water contamination due to improper agricultural practices have been reported in the state. The adoption of sustainable farming techniques, including crop rotation, organic manure usage, and integrated pest management, has been encouraged by agricultural extension programs and policy interventions. Despite these efforts, the effectiveness of these sustainable farming practices in reducing environmental pollution remains largely underexplored (Bello et al., 2023).
Research suggests that sustainable farming not only minimizes soil erosion and water pollution but also enhances biodiversity and long-term agricultural productivity. However, in Kaduna State, challenges such as low adoption rates, inadequate policy enforcement, and limited farmer awareness hinder the widespread implementation of eco-friendly agricultural techniques. This study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of sustainable farming practices in reducing environmental pollution in Kaduna State by assessing their adoption levels, impact on soil and water quality, and policy support mechanisms.
Statement of the Problem
Environmental pollution caused by unsustainable agricultural practices remains a pressing concern in Kaduna State. Soil degradation, water contamination, and loss of biodiversity are some of the significant consequences of intensive chemical-dependent farming (Okonkwo & Musa, 2023). While sustainable farming methods have been introduced to address these issues, their adoption remains inconsistent, and there is limited empirical evidence on their effectiveness in mitigating pollution.
Many smallholder farmers still rely on chemical fertilizers and pesticides due to cost, availability, and lack of awareness about environmentally friendly alternatives. Additionally, government policies promoting sustainable agriculture are often poorly enforced, leading to minimal impact on environmental conservation. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the extent to which sustainable farming practices have reduced environmental pollution in Kaduna State, identify barriers to their adoption, and recommend policy interventions for enhancing their effectiveness.
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will focus on major agricultural zones in Kaduna State, evaluating sustainable farming techniques such as organic farming, crop rotation, and agroforestry. It will involve farmer surveys, soil and water quality assessments, and policy analysis.
Limitations may include difficulty in obtaining accurate data from farmers, variability in farming methods across different communities, and external environmental factors influencing pollution levels.
Definition of Terms
Background of the Study
Vote-buying remains one of the most contentious practices in electoral politics, undermining the p...
ABSTRACT: This study examines the impact of socio-economic factors on access to vocational training, emphasizing the need to understand and mi...
Background of the Study
Phishing attacks are among the most prevalent and dangerous cyber threats facing educational instit...
Background of the Study
Teacher feedback is widely acknowledged as a cornerstone of effective teaching and learning, provid...
Background of the Study
Agricultural policy reforms are essential for improving the livelihood of smallhol...
Background of the Study
Personalized learning has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential to cater to the individu...
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are among the leading causes...
Health policy plays a vital role in shaping healthcare delivery, ensuring qua...
Background of the study:
In Akpabuyo, self-medication is a prevalent practice influenced by a confluence o...
Background of the study:
Real-time digital engagement has become a critical component of modern marketing, directly influencing brand per...