A Qualitative Approach to Harvesting Sustainable Futures: The Role of Science in Ensuring Global Food Security in Nigeria
*1Onikoko Rasheedat Sa’adu, 2Hameed Olalekan Bolaji, 3Mujidat Yemisi Kolawole Abdulsalam & 4Abdulmalik Olayinka Anwo
*1,2&3Department of Science Education, Faculty of Education, Al-Hikmah University Ilorin, Nigeria Email: maryammusaedu@gmail.com
4School of Secondary Education (Science), Federal College of Education (Technical), Bichi, Kano State, Nigeria
Abstract
This qualitative research explores the perspectives of science educators in Nigeria regarding their role in promoting global food security through effective education. Targeting educators at both secondary and tertiary levels, the study investigates how science education influences agricultural productivity and the adoption of sustainable practices. Utilizing semi-structured interviews with 500 science educators from diverse regions, thematic analysis revealed key insights into the importance of scientific principles in understanding plant physiology, animal management, and soil health. Science educators emphasized the need for integrating food security concepts into the science curricula and highlighted the potential of combining indigenous knowledge with modern scientific techniques to enhance sustainable agriculture. The findings underscore the critical role of science education in equipping future generations to address food security challenges, thereby informing curriculum development and policy recommendations aimed at fostering sustainable agricultural practices in Nigeria. This study contributes to the understanding of how educational strategies can effectively support food security initiatives and improve agricultural outcomes in the country.
Keywords
Sustainable Futures, Science, Food Security, Global Agriculture and Nigeria
Reference
Abobatta, W. F., & Fouad, F. W. (2024). Sustainable Agricultural Development. Advances in Environmental Engineering and Green Technologies Book Series, 1–27. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-4240-4.ch001
Adam, U. A., Ayanwale, M. A., Lameed, S. N., Owolabi, T., Onowugbeda, F. U., Oladejo, A. I., … & Adebowale, M. A. (2024). Bridging culture and science: Culturo-Techno-Contextual Approach in culturally relevant biology pedagogy. The Journal of Educational Research, 1-16.
Akinsorotan, O. A., Akinsorotan, A. M., Adewale, R. O., & Akande, A. B. (2023). Detrimental effects of agrochemical-based agricultural intensification on biodiversity: Evidence from some past studies. In One Health Implications of Agrochemicals and their Sustainable Alternatives (pp. 275-298). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore.
Akpa, A., Ezebuiro, N. C., Ubi, B. E., Onyia, C., & Ibrahim, A. (2024). Biotechnology Development in Nigeria: Meeting Critical Developmental Needs. In Biosafety and Bioethics in Biotechnology (pp. 91-114). CRC Press.
Amoah, P., Oumarou Mahamane, A. R., Byiringiro, M. H., Mahula, N. J., Manneh, N., Oluwasegun, Y. R., … & Olasanmi, B. (2024). Genome editing in Sub-Saharan Africa: a game-changing strategy for climate change mitigation and sustainable agriculture. GM Crops & Food, 15(1), 279-302.
Ariom, T. O., Dimon, E., Nambeye, E., Diouf, N. S., Adelusi, O. O. & Boudalia, S. (2022). Climate-smart agriculture in African countries: A Review of strategies and impacts on smallholder farmers. Sustainability, 14(18), 11370.
Balogun, O. O., Nwahia, O. C., & Nwebor, E. (2024). Climate-Smart Agriculture for Sustainable Agricultural Development in Nigeria: An Empirical Review. Journal of Applied Science and Environmental Management, 28(6), 1853–1858. https://doi.org/10.4314/jasem.v28i6.26
Dodo, A. K., & Okike, E. U. (2021). A Critical Analysis of Learning Technologies and Informal Learning in Online Social Networks Using Learning Analytics. International Journal of Computer Science and Information Security (IJCSIS), 19(12).
Eheazu, C. L. (2023). Promoting Conservation Agriculture in Rural Nigeria: Relevance of Environmental Literacy Education. International Journal of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development Studies, 10(1), 16–37. https://doi.org/10.37745/ijaerds.15/vol10n11637
Kamaurewe, M. W. (2022). Utilization of cow dung bioslurry from anaerobic digestion as fertilizer in improving soil fertility and maize productivity in Kiambu County, Kenya (Doctoral dissertation, Pwani University).
Kariuki, T., Omumbo, J., Ciugu, K., & Marincola, E. (2023). The interconnected global emergencies of climate change, food security and health: a call to action by the Science for Africa Foundation. Open Research Africa, 6, 1.
Njeru, E. M., & Koskey, G. (2021). Using beneficial microorganisms to promote sustainable crop production and resilience of smallholder agroecosystems to changing climate. Climate Change and Resilient Food Systems: Issues, Challenges, and Way Forward, 287-314.
Oiganji, E., Igbadun, H., Amaza, P. S., & Lenka, R. Z. (2025). Innovative Technologies for Improved Water Productivity and Climate Change Mitigation, Adaptation, and Resilience: A Review. Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, 29(1), 123-136.
Onyeaka, H., Siyanbola, K. F., Akinsemolu, A. A., Tamasiga, P., Mbaeyi-Nwaoha, I. E., Okonkwo, C. E., … & Oladipo, E. K. (2024). Promoting equity and justice: harnessing the right to food for Africa’s food security. Agriculture & Food Security, 13(1), 1-26.
Orina, P. S., Chepkirui, M., Orina, T., Olala, M., & Oluwole, F. A. (2024). A Review on Africa’s agricultural farming systems and potential for transition. Collect Journal of Agricultural Science, 1: ART0032.
Sulaimon, O. D. (2024). Assessment of the Impacts of Climate Change on Food Security, Health and Wellbeing of Some Selected Kwara North Community (Master’s thesis, Kwara State University (Nigeria).