Abstract
Agricultural expansion in Nigeria, driven by rising food demand and population growth, has intensified environmental degradation, threatening sustainable development. This study examines the ecological impacts of agricultural growth using a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of secondary datasets (2015–2024) with qualitative review of policy and scholarly literature. Findings indicate that agricultural land expansion, fertiliser use, and population growth significantly increase environmental pressures, while economic growth exhibits a modest mitigating effect. Extensive land conversion, deforestation, and intensive chemical input use contribute to soil erosion, water pollution, and biodiversity loss, undermining long-term agricultural productivity and food security. The study highlights the urgent need for climate-smart and conservation-based agricultural practices, stronger institutional oversight, and targeted policy interventions. Aligning agricultural development with ecological sustainability is critical for Nigeria to achieve its Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).