Mejida, Maiyaki M.2023-12-122023-12-122012-01-06Mejida, M.M. (2012) ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION AND RURAL POVERTY IN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY OF TOTO AREAhttps://keffi.nsuk.edu.ng/handle/20.500.14448/3439Human beings from time immemorial are tied to nature for basic raw materials, food, and resources for survival. Natural phenomena of climatic elements such as rainfall, sunshine, relative humidity and precipitation determine the extent to which man enjoys sustainable and stable ecosystem for agricultural activities, sufficient food supply and healthy living in general. Undoubtedly, human activities have the potential to disrupt the balance of this system. And this could have far-reaching and/or unpredictable environmental, social and economic consequences. The depletion of the ecological system in Toto area shows that there is the urgency to checkmate the trend and utilise the natural resources in a more sustainable and stable manner if we have our eyes on future progress and development of the area. This study notes that there is wanton destruction of the fauna and flora of the area either for hunting or mineral excavation and other human activities. The study notes that the duty of gradually adopting effective environmental measures and policies is incumbent upon all. Thus critical and honest questions such as what we have done to conserve, preserve and replenish the environment to avoid poverty must be asked. The objective in this study is thus to critically examine the environmental challenges faced by rural communities in Nigeria, with particular focus on Toto community in Nasarawa State in the context of sustainable environment and eradication of rural poverty. Both primary and secondary sources would be consulted in order to come up with far- reaching research evidence.enEnvironmental degradation, human activities, rural poverty, Nigeria.Article