Main Article Content
The impact of agriculture on environmental health in Nigeria.
Abstract
The paper assessed the impact of agriculture on environmental health in Nigeria. The paper reviewed sources of environmental degradation as a result of agriculture practices that has direct link with soil erosion, desert encroachment and unabated deforestation as well as poor soil conservation methods. Evidences from various sites reveal that the use of antibiotics in animal farming and insecticides accounts for high incidences of food poisoning and deaths of unsuspecting consumers especially the non-literate farmers in rural areas. This is particularly common in aquaculture where such chemicals have been used extensively to catch fish.
The situation is further worsened due to administrative and poor regulatory and enforcement system. Both the terrestrial and adequate habitats have been endangered by crops in agriculture enterprise which had degraded the environment via soil exhaustion and unregulated use of herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals, which is further complicated by the unguarded pattern of food processing. Land denudation, aquatic toxicity; leaching, run off and lifetime health equivalent are some of the complicated environmental hazard and health menace that both agricultural activities and food processing can cause the environment and the occupants. Consequently, pragmatic suggestions are made on how to avert the imminent environmental catastrophe through comprehensive environmental extension education, mass awareness and strict enforcement of environmental regulations.
Key words: Agriculture, environment, health and extension
[JEXT Vol.3 2002: 47-58]
The situation is further worsened due to administrative and poor regulatory and enforcement system. Both the terrestrial and adequate habitats have been endangered by crops in agriculture enterprise which had degraded the environment via soil exhaustion and unregulated use of herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals, which is further complicated by the unguarded pattern of food processing. Land denudation, aquatic toxicity; leaching, run off and lifetime health equivalent are some of the complicated environmental hazard and health menace that both agricultural activities and food processing can cause the environment and the occupants. Consequently, pragmatic suggestions are made on how to avert the imminent environmental catastrophe through comprehensive environmental extension education, mass awareness and strict enforcement of environmental regulations.
Key words: Agriculture, environment, health and extension
[JEXT Vol.3 2002: 47-58]
