Financial and Technical Constraints in the Adoption of Sustainable Land Management Practices by Smallholder Farmers in Nigeria

Sustainable Land Management (SLM) is widely acknowledged as a crucial approach to ensuring agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, and poverty alleviation among smallholder farmers in developing nations. Nevertheless, the adoption of SLM practices in Nigeria remains minimal due to ongoing financial and technical challenges. This research investigates the financial and technical limitations that obstruct smallholder farmers in Nigeria from adopting SLM practices. Utilising a mixed-methods approach that incorporated survey questionnaires and key informant interviews from selected farming communities, the study reveals that financial issues including restricted access to credit, elevated input costs, and a lack of affordable financing options form significant barriers to adoption. Additionally, technical challenges such as inadequate extension services, insufficient training for farmers, low awareness of modern techniques, and poor institutional support further constrain uptake. The findings suggest that overcoming these obstacles requires coordinated interventions that include accessible credit schemes, enhanced extension services, subsidised agricultural inputs, and supportive policy reforms. The study concludes that improving smallholders’ access to financial and technical resources will significantly enhance the adoption of sustainable land management practices, thus fostering environmental sustainability, food security, and rural development in Nigeria.