Engr. Anene Ndubisi Kelvin
Ohanu Victor Chibueze
Engr. Ademiju, Teslim. A.
Department of Agricultural Education
Federal College of Education (Technical) Asaba
For correspondence, email: ndubisianene63@gmail.com
This study investigates the Optimization of Soil and Water Resources for Environmental Sustainability by evaluating current global degradation trends, identifying sustainable strategies, examining the impacts of optimized resource management, and proposing innovative policy frameworks and technologies for integrated management. Utilizing a quantitative research design, data were collected from a purposive sample of 60 agricultural lecturers selected from six tertiary institutions in Southern Nigeria, including Delta State University, University of Delta, Dennis Osadebe University, Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, and Enugu State University of Science and Technology. A structured questionnaire was employed to elicit responses, and descriptive statistics were used for analysis. The findings reveal that while respondents recognize the transformative potential of technological innovations such as precision irrigation and remote sensing in enhancing soil and water use, there remains significant skepticism about the adequacy of current policy frameworks. Respondents strongly supported the need for policy reforms, community-based resource management, and increased government prioritization of sustainable practices. The study recommends comprehensive policy restructuring, increased investment in technological infrastructure, incentives for environmentally sustainable practices, and participatory resource governance. These measures are crucial for mitigating soil and water degradation and promoting long-term environmental resilience. The study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable environmental management and offers practical insights for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners focused on resource optimization and ecological balance.
Keywords: Soil and Water Optimization, Environmental Sustainability, Policy Frameworks, Technological Innovation, Resource Management.