Abstract Five 2008

GLOBAL

DEVELOPMENT STUDIES

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Volume Five Winter 2007-Spring 2008 Numbers 1-2.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION: A DISCOURSE ON LAND DEGRADATION AND FOOD SECURITY

IN NIGERIA

S. Tunji Titilola

Research Professor

Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER)

PMB 5 University of Ibadan Post Office, Ibadan, Nigeria

Visiting Professor

Department of History and Government,

Fayetteville State University,

Fayetteville, North Carolina, 28303 USA

Published Online: February 10, 2017

ABSTRACT

Environmental problems, especially land degradation, have become a matter of concern for developing countries. The available evidence suggests that sound and sustainable environmental management is essential for maintaining the natural resource-based critical for continued economic development and the viability of most developing economies. Nigeria cannot therefore continue to pursue economic development projects without paying adequate attention to environmental issues. Human history is replete with past civilizations which eventually declined, partly because of the lack of proper management of their respective environments. To avoid a repeat of history, therefore, adequate attention, including public consultation and involvement, must be devoted to effective management of the environment. This article assesses the impact of land degradation on Nigeria agricultural production and food security. Specifically, it: discusses the importance of resource management in agriculture production; assesses the scale of land degradation and productivity; assesses environmental degradation and its main effects on food security; and proposes policy to protect the environment and improve food security through increase production