RURAL DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION AND IT'S INFLUENCE ON SUSTAINABLE NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Abstract

Rural development education in Nigeria plays a central role in shaping how rural communities use and protect natural resources that support livelihoods and food production. The study examines how education influences sustainable natural resource management through awareness building behavioural change skill development and community participation. It also considers challenges such as weak funding limited extension services low literacy cultural practices policy inconsistency and poor infrastructure that reduce effectiveness. Findings indicate that rural education improves awareness and encourages better land water and forest management practices but outcomes remain uneven across regions due to systemic constraints. Opportunities include digital learning tools non governmental organisation support modern extension systems community based management and climate education programmes that expand access and participation. The study concludes that stronger coordination improved infrastructure and consistent policy implementation are required to enhance sustainability outcomes in rural Nigeria. Strengthening collaboration between government agencies NGOs and community groups alongside capacity building for extension workers is essential for long term improvement in environmental education delivery and resource management practices across rural areas.