By Chiekezie Emmanuel

The Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), during its 59th inaugural lecture, has called on Nigerians to embrace sustainable agriculture as a means of promoting economic development, reducing poverty and ensuring food security.

The inaugural lecture was delivered by Prof. Emeka Nzeh on Thursday at the Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah Auditorium, Ebeano City.

Speaking during the lecture, the Professor of Agriculture Economics described agriculture as one of the world’s largest industries, employing more than one billion people and generating over $1.3 trillion worth of food annually.

He noted that pasture and cropland occupy about 50 per cent of the Earth’s habitable land and provide habitat and food for numerous species. According to him, when agricultural operations are sustainably managed, they can preserve and restore critical habitats, protect watersheds, and improve soil health and water quality.

He, however, warned that unsustainable agricultural practices have serious consequences for both people and the environment.

“Unsustainable actions in the environment lead to less economic empowerment in society, thereby resulting in an increase in poverty,” he said.

Prof. Nzeh emphasized the urgent need for sustainable agriculture and effective management of economic resources, noting that the demand for agricultural commodities is rising rapidly as the world’s population continues to grow.
He explained that agriculture’s close relationship with the global economy, human societies and biodiversity makes it one of the most important areas for conservation and sustainable development.

“By the year 2050, our planet will be home to an additional two billion people. How will farm products sustain them all? Not only will there be more people, but there will also be the challenge of high inflation,” he said.

According to Prof. Nzeh, his research indicates the need to identify and implement better agricultural management practices, particularly those that promote sustainability, empower the economy and reduce poverty.

He advocated the creation of financial incentives to encourage biodiversity conservation, improvement of agricultural policies and the identification of new income opportunities for farmers and other producers.

He explained that sustainable agriculture could significantly contribute to economic empowerment by creating jobs, fostering rural development and promoting global trade, particularly in developing countries where agricultural growth has a strong impact on poverty reduction.
Prof. Nzeh further highlighted the role of innovation, including agricultural technology (agri-tech) and precision farming, in improving productivity and ensuring food security.

According to him, agriculture serves as a crucial engine of economic transformation by increasing incomes, improving nutrition and creating employment opportunities for vulnerable populations, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria and Enugu State.

He said growth in the agricultural sector is a powerful tool for reducing poverty and improving the livelihoods of millions of people, particularly those in rural and developing communities.

According to him, “increased agricultural output and productivity can drive economic transformation and contribute significantly to national development.”

He further stressed the importance of agriculture to food security and nutrition, explaining that increased food production leads to healthier and more productive populations, which are essential to long-term economic development.

Prof. Nzeh said Nigeria, despite its abundant natural resources, continues to face significant environmental degradation and socio-economic challenges. And maintained that the adoption of sustainable resource management approaches could have far-reaching effects on the country’s development.

“Sustainable resource use is increasingly recognized as essential for balancing environmental integrity, economic growth and social equity,” he said.