By Sayo Àlàgbé
A professor of Soil Fertility at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Babájídé Peter Akíntóyè, has raised concerns over harmful farming practices among Nigerian farmers. He identified excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, monocropping, poor irrigation methods, deforestation, overgrazing, and improper waste disposal as major threats to soil quality, water resources, and the environment.
Speaking during a weekly live programme sponsored by Ogbomoso First Group and monitored on Ajilete FM 92.2, Gambari, near Ogbomoso, Professor Babajide warned farmers against excessive chemical use. He explained that such practices degrade soil quality, reduce fertility, and kill beneficial microorganisms. Additionally, he cautioned that chemical runoff leads to water pollution, endangering aquatic life and posing health risks to both farmers and consumers.
The soil expert also highlighted the dangers of monocropping, stating that continuously planting the same crop depletes specific soil nutrients, increases pest outbreaks, and raises the risk of plant diseases. This, he said, results in increased pesticide use and declining crop yields over time.
Addressing the issue of deforestation for farmland expansion, Professor Babajide warned that clearing forests leads to biodiversity loss, soil erosion, and reduced rainfall. He noted that deforestation contributes to climate change by increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Without tree cover, he explained, farmlands become barren and less productive.
On poor irrigation methods, Babajide pointed out that inefficient techniques such as flood irrigation lead to water wastage, soil erosion, and salinization, making land less productive and increasing farming costs. He also emphasized that water scarcity remains a major challenge in agriculture.
Discussing the negative impact of overgrazing, the professor explained that excessive livestock grazing strips land of vegetation, exposes soil to erosion, and depletes fertility, making it difficult for new plants to grow. In extreme cases, he warned, overgrazing can result in desertification.
To mitigate these challenges, Babajide urged farmers to adopt sustainable alternatives such as crop rotation, organic farming, agroforestry, proper waste management, and modern irrigation techniques like drip irrigation. He also advocated for integrated pest management to reduce chemical use and protect the environment.
In his final remarks, the professor called on the government and stakeholders to support farmers through training, access to organic fertilizers, and incentives for sustainable farming. He emphasized the need for extension services and financial support, including low-interest loans, to help farmers acquire eco-friendly farming equipment.
Professor Babajide urged farmers to embrace sustainable practices to protect their farmlands and ensure long-term agricultural productivity.
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