Achieving Sustainable Development Goals 2 of Food Security and Zero Hunger in Nigeria Through Land Remediation

Abstract

The study was carried out to analyze the cost of remediation of arable crops farmland from sand mining in Ondo State, Nigeria to ensure availability of land for farming. This will enhance the achievement of SDGs 2 of food security and zero hunger. A total of 120 respondents using multistage sampling techniques were sampled. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, soil analysis and Net Present Value (NPV). The study showed that there is a severe nutrient depletion of the physical and chemical properties of farmland due to sand mining activities. The study further revealed that arable crop farmers are losing money by giving out their farmland to the sand miners in the study area. From the study, it will cost N2,586,000 ($1,668.39) to remediate a hectare of farmland that has been mined by sand miners for at least two years. The result of the NPV revealed that in the long run, the arable crop farmers who continue with their arable crop farming for five years will make N12,377,023 ($7,985.18) while their counterparts who lease their farmland to sand miners will only earn N7,245,240 ($4,674.35). The study therefore recommends that agricultural landowners should stop leasing out their land to sand miners in the study area. Government and other stakeholders should aim to regulate the activities of sand miners and assist the arable crop farmers to diversify their income especially during off season farming.