Food Security and Environmental Sustainability Under Small-Scale Farming in Nigeria

This study examines the interplay between environmental sustainability and food security within small-scale farming systems in Nigeria. This study was conceived against the background of addressing the concern of ensuring food availability under the predominance small-scale farming practices in Nigeria. A systematic review of recent and relevant literature reveals that environmental degradation significantly threatens food availability, primarily due to unsustainable agricultural practices such as deforestation, soil erosion, and loss of existing arable land to other uses. The findings indicate that while sustainable farming practices, including agroecology and conservation agriculture, can enhance productivity and resilience, their adoption is hindered by financial constraints, limited access to technology, and inadequate farmer education. Furthermore, existing government policies, despite their potential, often fall short in effective implementation and local adaptation, diminishing their impact on promoting sustainable agriculture. This paper highlights the necessity for comprehensive strategies that address both environmental and socio-economic challenges faced by small-scale farmers. Recommendations include strengthening access to finance and technology, improving farmer education, enhancing policy implementation, promoting public-private partnerships, supporting research and development, and expanding climate-smart agriculture initiatives. By adopting these measures, Nigeria can work towards achieving sustainable food security that benefits both the agricultural sector and the environment, ensuring a resilient future for smallholder farmers and their communities.