Ebonyi State, known for its nutrient-rich soil and thriving agricultural economy, may unknowingly be pushing itself toward an environmental disaster. Despite its reputation for abundant farm produce, increased soil tillage and unsustainable farming practices are accelerating soil erosion and land degradation—threatening food security and long-term agricultural productivity in the region.
A study on Afikpo South Local Government Area using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model revealed that annual soil loss is particularly high in the southern parts of the LGA, where steep slopes make the land highly vulnerable. Similarly, in Afikpo North, researchers identified shifting cultivation—especially slash-and-burn agriculture—as a major driver of surface runoff and soil erosion, especially on plains made of shale and siltstones.
These findings highlight the urgent need for sustainable farming in Ebonyi State. Practices like no-till farming and drip irrigation are emerging as vital alternatives to conventional methods, offering not only increased crop yields but also long-term environmental benefits.
“No-till farming replaces deep soil plowing with methods like sack farming and bucket farming, preserving the topsoil and reducing erosion,” said Nwekene Stephen Agu, An Agricultural Economist. “ In Ebonyi, digging a meter deep exposes rocks that suffocate the roots—no-till farming avoids that problem completely.”
He also emphasized the benefits of drip irrigation in Nigeria, which delivers water directly to plant roots in a regulated pattern, conserving water and preventing soil washout. This targeted watering not only helps plants grow more efficiently but also denies water to weed seeds between the plants, reducing their germination and stunting the growth of any already sprouted weeds. According to Agu, Ebonyi’s weather patterns are perfectly suited for this modern irrigation method.
Sustainable farming methods like no-till planting and drip irrigation protect soil health, conserve water, reduce dependency on chemical inputs, and improve resilience to climate change. In contrast, traditional practices such as excessive tilling and burning not only cause soil degradation and loss of nutrients but also harm local ecosystems and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
Yet, adoption remains low. Agu noted that farmers often resist these methods due to labor demands like increased weeding or simply lack awareness.
“Most people don’t even know what sustainable farming is.” “They think as long as the crops grow, everything is fine. But in reality, they’re harming the environment—and themselves.”
Nwekene Stephen Agu
Agu urged Ebonyi residents to stop using lack of access to land as an excuse. “You can start with sack planting or bucket farming. Even if it’s in your backyard, you can make it work,” he said. Through his tomato and pepper farm, Agu is currently making a living using sustainable methods—with or without government support.
Still, he believes that government intervention can accelerate progress. “The government should provide funding for individual farmers, support sensitization programs, and consider leasing unused lands to promote responsible land use,” he suggested.
Agu and a team of students recently carried out a sensitization outreach in Ikwo Local Government Area, raising awareness about sustainable agriculture among local farmers. Their message: long-term food security starts with how we treat the land today.
As Ebonyi State agriculture continues to expand, stakeholders face a critical choice—invest in eco-friendly farming or risk losing the soil that sustains their economy and livelihoods.
Will Ebonyi save the land that feeds it—or continue to kill it from beneath?
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