Minimizing Effect of Land Degradation in Benue State for Sustainable Food Production

Abstract

This paper looks at land degradation and its effects on the environment globally and locally. Unless land rehabilitation measures are effective, a downward eco-social spiral is created when marginal lands are physically, chemically and biologically depleted by unsustainable land management practices resulting in lost soil resilience leading to soil degradation and permanent damage .The paper examines the land degradation types prevalent in Benue state to include: Deforestation, Overexploitation for fuel wood, overgrazing, agricultural activities and industrialization. and the severity with which they occur. The paper concludes that a multidisciplinary approach should be adopted to include effective teaching and learning of environmental education and development of sound policies that can begin the process of healing the land with its attendant benefits to the environment and agricultural revival in Benue state.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n15p93