Background of the study
Sustainable agriculture is essential for ensuring food security, preserving natural resources, and promoting environmental resilience. In Warji Local Government Area, Bauchi State, informal education initiatives have become increasingly important in educating students about sustainable agricultural practices. These initiatives include community farming projects, interactive workshops, field demonstrations, and digital media campaigns that present practical, locally relevant information on organic farming, soil conservation, water management, and eco-friendly pest control (Adetola, 2023). Informal education provides a dynamic platform for experiential learning, enabling students to connect theoretical agricultural concepts with real-world practices. By engaging with local farmers, agricultural extension officers, and environmental experts, students gain hands-on experience and develop a deeper understanding of sustainable agriculture practices (Balogun, 2024).
The educational approach in Warji emphasizes the integration of traditional farming knowledge with modern sustainable techniques. This blend is particularly effective in regions where indigenous practices have long been used to manage natural resources, but where modern challenges such as climate change demand innovative solutions. Informal education methods encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative learning, all of which are vital for the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. Moreover, these programs aim to inspire a new generation of environmentally conscious individuals who are committed to preserving their local ecosystems while meeting food production needs (Adetola, 2023). Despite these promising developments, there is a scarcity of research evaluating the impact of informal education on students’ understanding of sustainable agriculture. The present study seeks to address this gap by critically examining how informal education influences students’ agricultural knowledge, attitudes, and practices in Warji. By doing so, the study intends to contribute to the broader discourse on sustainable development and environmental education (Balogun, 2024; Adeyemi, 2025).
Statement of the problem
In Warji Local Government Area, although informal education initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture have been implemented, their effectiveness in enhancing students’ understanding of sustainable practices remains unclear. Many students demonstrate limited awareness of modern sustainable techniques despite exposure to community-based learning programs. The challenges include inconsistencies in program delivery, a lack of standardized teaching materials, and minimal integration of traditional agricultural knowledge with contemporary practices. As a result, there is a significant gap between the theoretical benefits of sustainable agriculture education and the actual knowledge and practices adopted by students (Adeyemi, 2025). Furthermore, the absence of rigorous evaluation methods makes it difficult to determine the long-term impact of these initiatives on agricultural practices and environmental conservation. Socio-economic factors and limited resources further hinder the potential of informal education to effectively convey sustainable agricultural practices. This study aims to systematically assess the contribution of informal education to students’ understanding of sustainable agriculture. It will investigate the methods employed, the challenges encountered, and the degree to which these initiatives influence practical agricultural practices. Addressing these issues is critical to formulating recommendations that can enhance the overall effectiveness of sustainable agriculture education in Warji, ultimately contributing to environmental sustainability and food security in the region (Adetola, 2023).
Objectives of the study:
To evaluate the impact of informal education on students’ understanding of sustainable agriculture.
To identify effective informal educational strategies that promote sustainable agricultural practices.
To propose recommendations for enhancing informal education in sustainable agriculture.
Research questions:
How does informal education influence students’ understanding of sustainable agriculture in Warji?
What are the challenges in delivering sustainable agriculture education through informal methods?
Which informal educational practices are most effective in promoting sustainable agricultural techniques?
Research Hypotheses:
H1: Informal education significantly improves students’ understanding of sustainable agriculture.
H2: There is a positive correlation between participation in informal agricultural programs and the adoption of sustainable practices.
H3: Integration of traditional and modern agricultural knowledge in informal education enhances environmental awareness.
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it explores the role of informal education in enhancing students’ understanding of sustainable agriculture, a key factor in environmental conservation and food security. The findings will inform educators, agricultural extension agents, and policymakers about effective strategies for integrating sustainable practices into informal learning. The research aims to support the development of educational programs that foster a more sustainable and environmentally conscious agricultural sector, ultimately benefiting local communities in Warji (Adetola, 2023).
Scope and limitations of the study:
This study focuses on informal educational initiatives related to sustainable agriculture in Warji Local Government Area. It does not include formal agricultural education programs or initiatives outside this region. The research is limited to current informal practices and their immediate impacts.
Definitions of terms:
Sustainable Agriculture: Farming practices that meet current food needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.
Informal Education: Learning acquired through non-formal methods, such as community projects and workshops.
Environmental Conservation: The protection and preservation of natural resources and ecosystems.
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