Farmers’ Perception on the Relationship amongst Environmental Quality, Security of Land Tenure System and Farming Activities at the Bakolori Irrigation Scheme in Zamfara State, Nigeria

Purpose: The security of land tenure systems and changes in farming activities play a critical role in shaping environmental quality within agricultural landscapes, making them an important area of scholarly inquiry. This study examines farmers’ perceptions and awareness at the Bakolori Irrigation Scheme regarding the relationship between environmental quality, land tenure security, and changes in farming practices. Methodology: To achieve this objective, an assessment of farmers’ perceptions of environmental quality within the irrigation scheme was conducted. Both primary and secondary data were utilized for the study. Primary data were collected through the administration of 380 structured questionnaires to targeted farmers across the three sectors of the Bakolori Irrigation Scheme Talata Mafara, Bakura, and Maradun. The survey sought to determine how land tenure security and various farming activities contribute to environmental degradation within the scheme. Data analysis employed both descriptive statistics (tables and percentages) and inferential statistics (correlation analysis). Findings: The findings reveal a strong relationship between environmental quality and the security of the land tenure system in the study area (p < 0.804 and 0.867), indicating that variations in land tenure security and farming practices significantly influence key environmental quality indicators. The results suggest that insecure land tenure and unsustainable farming activities contribute to environmental degradation within the irrigation scheme. Research Limitations and Implications: The study was limited by time constraints and the availability of financial and logistical resources. Despite these limitations, the study contributes to existing knowledge by establishing the extent of farmers’ perceptions regarding how land tenure insecurity and changes in farming activities affect environmental quality. The findings highlight the need for further research on the extent to which environmental degradation influences crop yield and overall agricultural productivity within the Bakolori Irrigation Scheme. Practical Implications: Based on the study’s findings, it is recommended that appropriate measures be implemented to mitigate practices responsible for environmental degradation in the study area. These include regulating the use of agrochemicals to reduce pollution, adopting sustainable land clearing and preparation methods to minimize soil erosion, and improving water management practices to prevent waterlogging and nutrient leaching that led to soil fertility loss. Additionally, the study recommends the prompt replacement and repair of damaged or stolen irrigation infrastructure to enhance system efficiency and environmental sustainability.