A Theoretical Framework for Understanding the Economics of Land Degradation and Soil Conservation in Nigeria’s Dry Belt

Land degradation in Nigeria's dry belt (Sahel and Sudan savanna zones) imposes significant economic costs on farming communities and threatens long-run food security, and developing an original theoretical framework for understanding the economics of land degradation and conservation incentives in this context constitutes an important contribution to environmental and agricultural economics. This study developed an original Economics of Land Degradation and Soil Conservation Framework for Nigeria's Dry Belt, drawing on environmental economics, commons theory, and empirical research in Kano, Sokoto, and Borno States. A constructive theoretical methodology combining systematic review of 68 land degradation economics publications from 2018 to 2024, empirical survey data from 480 farming households across the three states, and expert consultation with 22 agricultural and environmental economists was employed. Household survey analysis confirmed that 74.3 percent of sampled farmers perceived significant soil fertility loss over a 10-year horizon and that conservation investment (terracing, tree planting, organic matter addition) was significantly below socially optimal levels. Game theory analysis of conservation decisions confirmed a commons dilemma structure where individual rational decisions produce collectively suboptimal land management outcomes. The original framework proposes five economic drivers of land degradation: tenure insecurity, externality non-internalisation, investment capital constraints, discount rate myopia, and collective action failure. Corresponding policy instruments including tenure reform, conservation payments, and community resource management institutions are theorised for each driver. Expert review confirmed the framework's original theoretical contribution. Recommendations include a Nigeria Soil Conservation Investment Programme incorporating all five proposed policy instruments.