Land Degradation and Sustainable Human Development in Nigeria

Abstract

This chapter focuses on land degradation, a serious global problem with diverse socio-economic implications, particularly for the sustainability of human development, in this case in contemporary Nigerian societies. The chapter draws attention to the connection between land degradation and the incidence of poverty, the role of land degradation in rural–urban migration and functionality of institutional intervention towards mitigating the challenges of land degradation in Nigeria. Marxism and vicious cycle of poverty theories were engaged. A mixed method research design was engaged combining questionnaires, in-depth interview and focus group discussions in sourcing useful information. Stratified sampling and purposive sampling techniques were engaged. The findings from this study unearth how the socio-economic well-being of the country could benefit from the appropriate use of its land resources.