Measuring the Influence of Sustainable Agriculture Techniques on FoodSecurity and Soil Health

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of sustainable agriculture techniques on food security and soil
health in smallholder farming communities. The research was motivated by declining soil fertility,
climate variability, low productivity, and the rapid degradation of arable land. A descriptive survey
design was adopted, and 250 respondents were selected from five agrarian districts using multistage
sampling. The “Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security Questionnaire (SAFSQ)” was
administered; 250 copies were distributed and 233 were returned and found usable. Data were
analyzed using descriptive statistics for the research questions and chi-square tests for the
hypotheses. Results showed that sustainable agriculture practices—including crop rotation, organic
amendments, mulching, and conservation tillage—positively influenced household food availability,
accessibility, and stability. Findings further revealed that sustainable soil management significantly
improved soil nutrient content, water retention, and long-term soil productivity. Each of the three
hypotheses tested at the 0.05 significance level was rejected, indicating statistically significant
relationships between sustainable agriculture adoption and the key study variables. These findings
align with earlier studies that emphasized the crucial role of sustainable methods in combating food
insecurity and soil degradation. The study concluded that sustainable agricultural techniques remain
strategic tools for enhancing soil resilience, boosting crop yields, and strengthening food security
systems. Recommendations were directed to farmers, policymakers, agricultural extension systems,
and environmental agencies to intensify awareness, capacity-building programs, provision of
subsidies, and rural-level monitoring to promote widespread use of eco-friendly farming approaches