Environmental Education and Sustainable Farming Practices Among Adult Farmers in Taraba State

This study examined the role of environmental education in promoting sustainable farming practices among adult farmers in Taraba State, North East Nigeria. Deforestation, soil erosion, overuse of agrochemicals, and unpredictable rainfall patterns are escalating environmental threats to farming communities in Taraba, necessitating targeted educational interventions. The study adopted a descriptive survey design involving 145 adult farmers from three farming communities in the Taraba River Basin area. Data collection tools included structured questionnaires, participatory observation, and key informant interviews with agricultural extension officers. Findings indicated that farmers who participated in environmental education workshops demonstrated significantly better knowledge of soil conservation techniques, agroforestry practices, organic composting, and water harvesting methods compared to non-participants. Programme impact was strongest for younger farmers and those with prior literacy programme exposure. Most farmers, however, reported adopting only partial elements of recommended sustainable practices due to cost implications and limited access to appropriate farming inputs. Environmental education delivered using field demonstration plots and farmer-to-farmer learning models generated stronger behavioural adoption than classroom-based instruction. Recommendations include establishing permanent farmer field schools in Taraba communities, integrating environmental education into agricultural extension services, and subsidising the cost of sustainable farming inputs for participating households. Collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture, the State Environmental Protection Agency, and adult education providers is advocated for coordinated programme delivery. Keywords: environmental education, sustainable farming, adult farmers, Taraba State, agroforestry.