INVESTIGATION ON THE IMPACT OF HERDSMEN ACTIVITIES ON FOOD SECURITY IN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY OF KADUNA STATE

In recent years, security threats have increasingly become a prominent subject of global concern. This is primarily due to the profound socio-economic disruptions they cause across both developed and developing nations. Nigeria, as a developing economy with immense growth potential—particularly projected to follow China as a dominant player in the global economy due to its rapid recent expansion—is no exception to this trend (Udeh, 2017). Historically, the roots of Nigeria’s security challenges can be traced to longstanding ethno-religious tensions involving the country’s major ethnic groups: the Igbo, Hausa, and Yoruba. These tensions, coupled with intra- and inter-communal conflicts, have evolved into more violent security crises in recent years, particularly with the emergence of groups such as Boko Haram, bandits, and herdsmen. The violent activities perpetrated by herders and bandits have become a persistent source of fear and anxiety for many Nigerians, both domestically and in the diaspora. These threats are no longer seen as mere criminal acts or isolated homicides but as systematic assaults with significant implications. Obi, Chinweze, and Onyejebu (2018) support this position, noting that Nigeria is grappling with a deep internal security crisis that has both political and socio-economic consequences, one of which is food insecurity. Food insecurity refers to the socio-economic condition wherein individuals lack access to sufficient food due to economic constraints, environmental conditions, or other barriers. Ethnographic findings by Jaafar (2018) further define food insecurity as encompassing (1) uncertainty about future food availability and access, (2) an inadequate quantity or quality of food necessary for a healthy lifestyle, and (3) resorting to socially unacceptable methods to obtain food due to crisis-induced scarcity. In this context, Gaye (2018a) identifies the involvement of Fulani herdsmen in criminal activities such as banditry, pillaging, rape, murder, and kidnapping as a critical driver undermining food security in Nigeria. Media reports have extensively covered these attacks, highlighting how herdsmen and bandits use sophisticated weapons, such as AK-47 rifles, to launch deadly assaults on farming communities and villages. Researchers warn that continued attacks on Nigeria’s agricultural communities—particularly in regions known as the country’s food baskets—may lead to severe food shortages by 2030 (FAO, 2021). The persistent violence has driven farmers out of their homes and farmlands, thereby halting agricultural activities and potentially worsening the nation’s food supply chain. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Various socio-environmental and structural factors are believed to facilitate the continued proliferation of herdsmen-related violence in Nigeria’s rural areas. Jaafar (2018) highlights that many of these challenges arise from ecological and governance-related shortcomings. Gaye (2018b) specifically points to the lack of effective state presence and governance in the hinterlands and forest regions of the country. The North West and North Central regions, in particular, are characterized by scattered settlements separated by extensive farmlands and rangelands, which create remote and inaccessible areas that serve as ideal hideouts for criminal groups. According to Okoh and Ugwu (2019), these forested areas are vast, rugged, under-policed, and extremely dangerous, thereby fostering an environment where illicit activities can thrive unchecked. As a result, farming has become increasingly difficult, not only due to the unpredictable security situation but also because agricultural productivity is disrupted, farming populations are displaced, and access to local markets is severely restricted. Eigege and Cooke (2016) assert that attacks by Fulani pastoralists on farming communities have made it nearly impossible for farmers to access their farmlands for cultivation and harvesting. Beyond the immediate threat of violence, crops have also been destroyed by herders’ cattle, compounding the losses suffered by affected farmers. These disruptions have contributed to rising food prices, shortages of essential commodities, and widespread food insecurity. Adeniyi (2018) observes that many farmers in key agricultural regions—particularly in the Middle Belt, Northwest, and Northeast—have abandoned their farms entirely in search of safety, while others have left their crops unharvested due to fear of attacks. This mass displacement and abandonment of farmland negatively affect food availability and contribute to a looming food crisis. Although several studies have explored the activities of Fulani herdsmen, there remains a need for focused research on how these activities specifically impact food security. In light of this, the present study aims to examine the effect of herdsmen activities on food security in Nigeria, using Kaduna State as a case study. 1.3 Objective Of The Study The general objective of the study is to assess the Impact of Herdsmen Activities on Food Security in Nigeria: A Case Study of Kaduna State. The specific objective will guide the study: 1. Examine the effect of herdsmen activities in Kaduna region. 2. Ascertain the level of awareness of kaduna people on issues relating to food security in the area; 3. Examine the level of food availability and accessibility as a result of herdsmen activities in Kaduna region. 4. Evaluate the effect of herdsmen activities on food security in Kaduna. 5. Discuss the management options of the herdsmen activities as it affects food security in Kaduna. 1.4 Significance Of The Study This study will be relevant to the general public. It will heighten the awareness of the public on the need to prepare themselves against the upcoming food scarcity. It will open the eyes of government on the urgent need to put security measure around farming communities exposed to attacks to avoid the nation suffering food insecurity. It will equip the Ministry of Agriculture with information on the implications of national food insecurity and the need put strategies in place to ensure that other regions of the nation start food crop production without dependence on the crises region. This study will also educate those from regions(especially the southeast, south-south, western states) of the country who have interest in farming on the need to venture into it immediately without total dependence as this will help the country not to suffer food shortage. Lastly this Study will serve as a reference material for other researchers and give room for further studies. 1.5 Scope Of The Study This study will examine the effect of herdsmen activities in Kaduna region. The study will also ascertain the level of awareness of kaduna people on issues relating to food security in the area. The study will further examine the level of food availability and accessibility as a result of herdsmen activities in Kaduna region. In addition, the study will evaluate the effect of herdsmen activities on food security in Kaduna. Finally, the study will discuss the management options of the herdsmen activities as it affects food security in Kaduna. Hence this study will be delimited to Kaduna State. 1.6 Research Questions The following questions have been prepared for the study: 1. What is the effect of herdsmen activities in Kaduna region? 2. What is the level of awareness of kaduna people on issues relating to food security in the area? 3. What is the level of food availability and accessibility as a result of herdsmen activities in Kaduna region? 4. What is the effect of herdsmen activities on food security in Kaduna. 5. What is the management options of herdsmen activities as it affects food security in Kaduna? 1.7 Geographical Scope Kaduna is the capital city of Kaduna State, and the former political capital of Northern Nigeria. It is located in north-western Nigeria, on the Kaduna River. It is a trade Centre and a major transportation hub as the gateway to northern Nigeria, with its rail and important road network. 1.8 Definition Of Key Terms Herdsmen: Herdsmen or Fulani pastoralists are nomadic or semi-nomadic. Fulani people whose primary occupation is raising livestock. Food Security: Food security is measured as a household-level concept that refers to certain, sufficient, or acceptable availability, access, or utilization of food.