The Institute of Climate and Environmental Governance (ICEG) Research Technical Report indicated that, environmental degradation has significant negative consequences for agricultural production, livelihoods, and climate change.
The report noted that, unsustainable practices lead to soil erosion, reduced crop yields, and water scarcity, resulting in decreased agricultural productivity and increased vulnerability to food insecurity.
The impacts of environmental degradation the report indicated, extend beyond agriculture and affect broader livelihoods adding that, decreased incomes, increased poverty, and limited access to resources further compound the challenges faced by rural communities dependent on agriculture.
The report affirmed that, environmental degradation contributes to climate change through the release of greenhouse gases and disruptions to ecosystems.
Climate change ICEG report noted, exacerbate the vulnerabilities of agricultural systems, leading to irregular rainfall patterns, extreme weather events, and rising temperatures.
The report pointed out that, sustainable agricultural practices are crucial for mitigating the effects of environmental degradation therefore, adopting practices such as agroforestry, organic farming, and water conservation, farmers can improve soil health, enhance resilience, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
By strengthening environmental regulations and enforcement, the report says it is essential to address the root causes of environmental degradation and that, proper waste management, control of pollution, sand mining, and sustainable land use practices are necessary to mitigate further damage to ecosystems.
The report noted that, collaboration and stakeholder engagement are crucial for addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by environmental degradation where, Governments, farmers, communities, and organizations need to work together to develop integrated approaches, share best practices, and foster knowledge exchange.
Monitoring, evaluation, and research was seen as essential for understanding the impacts of environmental degradation, tracking progress, and informing evidence-based policies.
The report further emphasis that, regular assessment of interventions and data collection can guide decision-making and identify areas for improvement.
Also, tackling environmental degradation requires a multi-faceted approach that combines sustainable agricultural practices, conservation measures, and climate change adaptation strategies. It necessitates collaboration among farmers, communities, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations.
The impact of environmental degradation on agricultural production the research report stayed, is evident through reduced crop yields, decreased impacts of the quality of education in rural areas.
The report said inadequate access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and safe learning environments hinders the learning process and undermines the educational outcomes of children.
Furthermore, Poor infrastructure, limited resources, and the need for children to engage in labor-intensive activities related to environmental survival further hinder their access to quality education.
The climate change mitigation measures identified include public education on environmental hazards, livelihood diversification, afforestation/tree planting, agroforestry, regulate hunting/fishing, regulate sand mining, agrochemicals use control, SLM, and public-privatepartnership.
