The Impact of Technological Advancement on Sustainable Development in Nigeria
CHAPTER ONE
Objectives of the Study
The main objective of the study is to examine the impact of technological advancement on sustainable development in Nigeria. The specific objectives are:
- To identify the impact of technological advancement on sustainable development in Nigeria.
- To assess the environmental consequences of technological advancement in Nigeria.
- To recommend policies and regulations necessary to promote sustainable development in Nigeria.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Subject Matter
The subject matter of this study is the impact of technological advancement on sustainable development in Nigeria. The study seeks to explore how technological advancements in various sectors such as agriculture, energy, and transportation can contribute to sustainable development in Nigeria.
Nigeria, like many other developing countries, has been grappling with the challenge of achieving sustainable development. While the country has made progress in recent years, there are still significant barriers to achieving sustainable development, including a lack of infrastructure, limited access to basic services, and environmental degradation. Technological advancements are often seen as potential solutions to these challenges.
The study aims to contribute to the understanding of how technological advancements can be harnessed to promote sustainable development in Nigeria. Specifically, it seeks to explore the role of technology in promoting sustainable agriculture, energy, and transportation in the country. Sustainable agriculture, for instance, involves the use of technologies that are environmentally friendly and socially responsible, and that promote food security and nutrition. Sustainable energy, on the other hand, involves the use of clean and renewable sources of energy, such as solar, wind, and hydropower. Sustainable transportation involves the use of efficient and low-emission modes of transportation, such as electric vehicles and public transport systems.
Theoretical Framework
This study is guided by the Modernization Theory and the Socio-technical Transitions Theory.
Modernization Theory
Modernization theory posits that technological advancement is crucial for economic and social development. The theory suggests that the adoption of advanced technologies leads to increased productivity, which stimulates economic growth and development. In the context of Nigeria, technological advancements in various sectors, including agriculture, energy, and transportation, can contribute to sustainable development (Olawuyi et al., 2022). For instance, technological advancements in agriculture, such as the use of precision farming techniques and the development of drought-resistant crops, can increase productivity, reduce waste, and mitigate the impact of climate change on agricultural production (Onyeka et al., 2022).
Similarly, technological advancements in renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, can offer a more sustainable alternative to fossil fuels (Okeyode and Adedayo, 2023). Additionally, technological advancements in the transportation sector, such as electric vehicles and efficient public transportation systems, can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and traffic congestion while also improving access to transportation for all Nigerians (Eze and Okeke, 2022).
Agriculture is a crucial sector of the Nigerian economy, contributing over 20% of the country’s GDP and employing more than half of its labour force. Technological advancements in agriculture have the potential to increase productivity and efficiency while reducing the environmental impact of farming. For example, the adoption of precision farming techniques, such as the use of drones and GPS technology, can help farmers to better manage crops and reduce waste. Additionally, the development of drought-resistant crops and the use of organic fertilizers can help to mitigate the impact of climate change on agricultural production (Onyeka et al., 2022).
Similarly, the energy sector is critical to Nigeria’s economic development, as the country is the largest oil producer in Africa and relies heavily on fossil fuels for energy. However, the negative environmental impact of fossil fuels, including greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, has led to a growing interest in renewable energy sources. Technological advancements in renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, can offer a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels. For example, a recent study by Okeyode and Adedayo (2023) found that the adoption of solar energy in Nigeria could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution while also creating new job opportunities and contributing to economic growth.
In the transportation sector, technological advancements such as electric vehicles and public transportation systems can offer a more sustainable alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Electric vehicles have been shown to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution while also reducing the country’s dependence on imported oil (Eze and Okeke, 2022). Similarly, the development of efficient public transportation systems can reduce traffic congestion, air pollution, and carbon emissions while also improving access to transportation for all Nigerians.
In summary, modernization theory provides a useful framework for understanding how technological advancements in various sectors can contribute to sustainable development in Nigeria. Technological advancements in agriculture, energy, and transportation have the potential to increase productivity and efficiency while reducing the environmental impact of these sectors. However, it is important to ensure that these advancements are implemented in a way that is socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable. This requires strong policies and regulations, as well as the active participation of all stakeholders, including government, industry, and civil society.
Empirical Review
A study by Okolie and Ofoegbu (2021) investigated the impact of urbanization on the environment in Nigeria. The study found that rapid urbanization has led to environmental degradation, including air and water pollution, deforestation, and soil erosion. The study suggests that sustainable urban planning and management practices are necessary to address these environmental challenges.
Another study by Ajayi et al. (2021) examined the role of renewable energy in promoting environmental sustainability in Nigeria. The study found that the use of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the environmental sustainability of the country. The study recommends that policymakers should encourage the adoption of renewable energy sources to achieve environmental sustainability in Nigeria.
Furthermore, a study by Ojo et al. (2020) investigated the environmental sustainability practices of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. The study found that SMEs in Nigeria lack adequate knowledge and resources to implement sustainable practices, leading to environmental degradation. The study suggests that policymakers should provide incentives and support to SMEs to adopt sustainable practices to improve environmental sustainability.
Ogbeibu et al. (2021) investigated the impact of climate change on the agricultural sector in Nigeria. The study found that climate change has led to reduced crop yields and increased soil erosion, leading to environmental degradation. The study recommends that farmers adopt climate-smart agriculture practices to improve environmental sustainability in Nigeria.
Olaoye et al. (2020) examined the potential of waste-to-energy conversion technologies in promoting environmental sustainability in Nigeria. The study found that waste-to-energy technologies such as anaerobic digestion and gasification can help reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions while generating clean energy. The study suggests that policymakers should encourage the adoption of waste-to-energy technologies to improve environmental sustainability.
Adeoye et al. (2020) investigated the impact of industrial pollution on the environment in Nigeria. The study found that industrial activities, particularly in the oil and gas sector, have led to environmental degradation, including air and water pollution. The study recommends that regulatory agencies should enforce environmental regulations to prevent industrial pollution and promote environmental sustainability.
Adetunji et al. (2021) examined the role of sustainable transportation in promoting environmental sustainability in Nigeria. The study found that sustainable transport systems such as electric vehicles, public transportation, and non-motorized transport can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. The study recommends that policymakers should promote the adoption of sustainable transport systems to achieve environmental sustainability.
Akinbile and Adegun (2020) investigated the impact of e-waste on the environment in Nigeria. The study found that improper disposal of electronic waste has led to environmental degradation, including soil contamination and air pollution. The study suggests that policymakers should enforce regulations on e-waste disposal and promote the adoption of sustainable e-waste management practices to improve environmental sustainability.
Olatunji et al. (2021) examined the potential of green buildings in promoting environmental sustainability in Nigeria. The study found that green building practices such as energy-efficient design, the use of sustainable building materials, and renewable energy sources can significantly reduce the environmental impact of buildings. The study recommends that policymakers should promote the adoption of green building practices to achieve environmental sustainability in Nigeria.
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