Soil degradation: Expert proffers preventive measures to farmers

An environmental expert, Ms Gloria Bulus, has proffered preventive measures against soil degradation to local farmers as climate change effect bites harder.

Bulus, the founder of Bridge-that-Gap Initiative, an environmental non-profit organisation, gave the advice in an interview with our correspondent on Thursday in Lagos.

She urged farmers to embrace sustainable farming practices to curb the growing rate of soil degradation in the country.

Bulus added that the adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) would help local farmers to overcome the challenges of soil degradation.

“There are different ways to prevent land degradation and erosion on farmlands but sustainable farm practices such as crop rotation, alley cropping, strip farming and contour farming are very efficient.

“The use of wind breakers, planting of trees around the farmlands, and cultivation of cover crop canopy can help reduce frequent soil erosion.

“Farmers can also stop or limit ploughing, tilting, multiple harvest, and use of agrochemicals, as they have contributed immensely to soil degradation.

“To ensure sustainability of arable farm lands, modern environmentally friendly techniques should be introduced to local farmers,” she said.

Bulus said that apart from embracing the CSA practices, government at all levels should come to the aid of farmers to reverse the trend through friendly initiatives.

The environmentalist called for financial support and subsidies in the procurement of improved seeds and farming technologies.

“To adapt to these realities of soil degradation farmers can take advantage of the CSA, and early warning systems especially with respect to rainfall annual prediction.

“The use community-led initiatives, adjustments to planting dates, use of improved crop varieties and proper land management strategies can be helpful in facing climate change realities on the farmlands.

“Government at all levels should provide initiatives to support the small farmer holders, provide improved seed varieties, strengthening of extension services to support farmers.

“The introduction of CSA techniques to farmers by government bodies and financial support and insurance for farmers can also help solve the issues.

“Government can also subsidise the procurement prices for farm equipment, seeds and fertilisers,” Bulus said.

She, however, called for called for appropriate sensitisation of local farmers to stop the trend.

“Farmers can be sensitised to prevent soil degradation through committed extension services, community engagements, associations, worship centres and social gatherings,” she added.