Nigerian's threatened environment: an obstacle to rural poverty eradication

Abstract

The paper focus on the state of Nigeria's environment as it affects rural poverty eradication. It examined the dimensions of environmental problems in Nigeria as a whole and the rural areas in particular. Issues like biodiversity conservation, forest conservation, wildlife management, drought and desertification control efforts were critically examined. The impact of environmental problem on rural resources and it consequence especially affects crop and livestock production, rural water supply and sustainable livelihood. Further more, the various ways by which environmental problems affected rural poverty alleviation where examined. Also the linkage between environment and poverty alleviation in rural were discussed the paper concluded that there are valuable natural resources in the country on which people lived. These resources needs to be wisely, managed responsibly, carefully conserved, and used wisely. The paper recommended community participation in environmental policy formulation, planning and implementation.

Journal of Environmental Extension Vol 5 2005: 51-59