Management of soil health for climate resilience in West Africa

Abstract

Soil health is not just a component but an important feature of sustainable agriculture. The worrying threat of climate change can significantly alter soil's biological, physical, and chemical properties. The primary objective of this thesis is to search through West Africa's demographics and the issues caused by climate change on agricultural soil. It also seeks to understand and promote various agronomic approaches, such as climate-smart agriculture, conservative agriculture, regenerative agriculture, and agroforestry, that can manage soil health without compromising the environment. This study aims to identify the problems farmers are facing due to climate change and highlight the sustainable soil management methods they are employing to enhance soil resilience through some quantitative field research, and interviews with 32 farmers in the southwestern part of Nigeria. By drawing on qualitative scientific journals and past research, including articles, the thesis will introduce solutions and guidance on sustainable soil health management practices. These sustainable agronomic approaches have the potential to strengthen soil texture and structure, enhance water retention, and improve long-term agricultural sustainability in Africa because of changing climates with the possibility of hope. Keywords: Climate change, Conservative agriculture, Drought, Erosion, Soil health, West African Countries, Sustainable agricultural practice.