Effect of Remote Sensing and GIS Technologies on Environmental Sustainability Outcomes in Crop Production Systems in South-West Nigeria

Abstract

Environmental sustainability outcomes in crop production systems in South-West Nigeria have remained suboptimal, characterised by declining soil health, inefficient resource utilisation, and increasing ecological degradation, despite the availability of advanced geospatial technologies such as remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems. This study examined the effect of remote sensing and GIS technologies on environmental sustainability outcomes in crop production systems. The purpose was to provide empirical evidence on how these technologies influence soil health, resource-use efficiency, and overall sustainability. The study adopted a quantitative explanatory design using a self-developed instrument titled Remote Sensing and GIS for Environmental Sustainability Questionnaire (RSGESQ). The instrument was validated through expert review and pilot testing, while reliability was established using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.81. A sample size of 300 respondents was selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analysed using multiple regression techniques. Findings revealed that remote sensing significantly influenced soil and crop sustainability (β = 0.41, t = 5.82, p < 0.05), GIS significantly improved resource-use efficiency (β = 0.42, t = 5.90, p < 0.05), and the combined application of both technologies had a strong effect on overall environmental sustainability outcomes (β = 0.45, t = 6.20, p < 0.05). All null hypotheses were rejected. The study concluded that geospatial technologies are critical drivers of sustainable agricultural transformation. It was recommended that governments prioritise investment in geospatial infrastructure and that farmers be trained in GIS-based decision-making to enhance sustainability outcomes.