Effect of Land Degradation on Agricultural Activities
CHAPTER ONE
Objective of the study
The objectives of the study are;
- To find out the effect of land degradation on agricultural activities
- To find out the causes of land degradation in Anambra state
- To ascertain the strategies/measures used for controlling land degradation
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
LAND DEGRADATION
Land degradation is a composite term; it has no single readily-identifiable feature, but instead describes how one or more of the land resources (soil, water, vegetation, rocks, air, climate, relief) has changed for the worse. A landslide is often viewed as an example of land degradation in action – it changes the features of the land, causes destruction of houses, and disrupts activities. In the longer term, however, the area of a landslide may regain its productivity. In places such as Jamaica and Papua New Guinea, old landslide scars are noted for supporting better crops and more intensive agricultural possibilities than on the adjacent land not affected by landslides especially when the new soil is derived from less weathered rock materials, such as calcareous mudstones. So, land degradation is far from being a simple process, with clear outcomes. This complexity needs to be appreciated by the field assessor, before any attempt is made either to define land degradation or to measure it. Land degradation generally signifies the temporary or permanent decline in the productive capacity of the land (UN/FAO definition). Another definition describes it as, “the aggregate diminution of the productive potential of the land, including its major uses (rain-fed, arable, irrigated, rangeland, forest), its farming systems (e.g. smallholder subsistence) and its value as an economic resource.” This link between degradation (which is often caused by land use practices) and its effect on land use is central to nearly all published definitions of land degradation. The emphasis on land, rather than soil, broadens the focus to include natural resources, such as climate, water, landforms and vegetation. The productivity of grassland and forest resources, in addition to that of cropland, is embodied in this definition. Other definitions differentiate between reversible and irreversible land degradation. While the terms are used here, the degree of reversibility is not a particularly useful measure – given sufficient time all degradation can be reversed, as illustrated by the landslide example above. So, reversibility depends upon whose perspective is being assessed and what timescale is envisaged. Whilst soil degradation is recognised as a major aspect of land degradation, other processes which affect the productive capacity of cropland, rangeland and forests, such as lowering of the water table and deforestation, are captured by the concept of land degradation.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine effect of land degradation on agricultural activities. Selected residents in Anambra state form the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
TEST OF HYPOTHESIS
H1: there are no effect of land degradation on agricultural activities
H2: there are causes of land degradation in Anambra state
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain effect of land degradation on agricultural activities. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing effect of land degradation on agricultural activities
Summary
This study was on effect of land degradation on agricultural activities. Three objectives were raised which included: To find out the effect of land degradation on agricultural activities, to find out the causes of land degradation in Anambra state and to ascertain the strategies/measures used for controlling land degradation. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from selected residents in Anambra state. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
The land degradation puts disastrous impact on the socio-cultural environment and ecological setting of the country. The major causes include rapid population increase, severe soil loss, deforestation, low vegetative cover and unbalanced crop and livestock production. In addition, topography, soil types and agro-ecological parameters are contributing factors in the degradation processes influenced by man. To control land degradation conservation measures throughout history are mainly focused on physical conservation structures which have less contribution for the addition of nutrients removed and to control soil erosion as compared to vegetation measures. However, as can be indicated in main text, land degradation can be prevented through different mechanisms depending on the nature and form of degradation. Soil erosion remains a key challenge for agriculture in several countries. Proper management of this valuable resource is vital to sustain long-term agricultural productivity. Soil conservation practices are tools the farmer can use to prevent soil degradation and build organic matter
Recommendation
It is necessary to have local and global policies and regulations to control the land degradation.
References
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- Amor, D. 2008.Road impact on deforestation and jaguar habitat loss in the Selva Maya. Ph. D.dissertation. Ecology Department, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University (8).
