THE IMPLICATION OF HERDSMEN ACTIVITIES ON FOOD SECURITY IN NIGERIA.

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study Nigeria's agricultural sector, a cornerstone of its economy, has been increasingly undermined by escalating security challenges, notably the activities of armed herdsmen and bandits. These security threats have not only disrupted farming activities but have also precipitated a looming food crisis. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) projects that approximately 33.1 million Nigerians will face acute food insecurity between June and August 2025, a significant increase from previous years, primarily due to persistent violence in key agricultural regions (Punch, 2024). Historically, conflicts between nomadic herders and sedentary farmers in Nigeria were sporadic and localized. However, in recent years, these clashes have intensified, evolving into widespread violence characterized by armed attacks, kidnappings, and destruction of farmlands. States such as Benue, Nasarawa, and Plateau, known as Nigeria's "food basket," have witnessed significant disruptions in agricultural activities due to these conflicts (BusinessDay, 2024). Farmers in these regions live in constant fear, leading to the abandonment of farms and a consequent decline in food production. The economic ramifications are profound. The disruption of farming activities has led to a sharp increase in food prices, exacerbating the country's inflation rates. For instance, in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State, the price of a bag of maize soared to N90,000, while local rice reached N105,000, reflecting the dire consequences of insecurity on food availability (Tribune Online, 2024). Moreover, the displacement of farming communities has strained urban centers, as internally displaced persons (IDPs) seek refuge, further complicating the nation's socio-economic landscape. The government's efforts to mitigate these challenges, such as the proposed Ruga policy aimed at establishing designated grazing areas for herders, have faced significant resistance and have yet to yield tangible results (Wikipedia, 2025). Consequently, there is an urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the root causes of these conflicts and to safeguard Nigeria's food security. 1.2 Statement of the Problem The persistent attacks by herdsmen and bandits have created an environment of fear and instability in Nigeria's agricultural regions. Farmers are compelled to abandon their lands, leading to decreased agricultural output and heightened food scarcity. The destruction of crops, theft of livestock, and imposition of levies by armed groups have further exacerbated the situation (Reuters, 2024). These challenges not only threaten the livelihoods of farmers but also jeopardize the nation's food security and economic stability. Despite various interventions, including military deployments and policy initiatives, the frequency and intensity of these attacks have not abated. The lack of effective governance in rural areas, coupled with inadequate security infrastructure, has allowed these criminal activities to flourish (BusinessDay, 2024). Moreover, the socio-political dynamics, including ethnic tensions and competition over land resources, have further complicated resolution efforts. he implications are far-reaching. Beyond the immediate loss of lives and property, the ongoing insecurity has led to a significant decline in agricultural productivity, increased food prices, and a surge in the number of IDPs. These developments have strained the nation's economy and pose a significant threat to national cohesion and development. 1.3 Objectives of the Study The primary objective of this study is to examine the implications of herdsmen banditry activities on food scarcity in Nigeria. Specifically, the study aims to: i. Investigate the patterns and dimensions of herdsmen attacks on rural farming communities. ii. Assess the extent to which banditry activities have disrupted farming activities in rural areas. iii. Evaluate the impact of these disruptions on food crop production. iv. Determine the relationship between herdsmen attacks and the escalation of food prices. 1.4 Research Questions To guide this study, the following research questions have been formulated: i. What are the patterns and dimensions of herdsmen attacks on rural farming communities? ii. How have banditry activities disrupted farming activities in rural areas? iii. What is the impact of these disruptions on food crop production? iv. How do herdsmen attacks influence the escalation of food prices? 1.5 Research Hypotheses The study will test the following hypotheses: H₀₁: Banditry activities have no significant impact on food crop production. H₀₂: Herdsmen attacks on farmers have no significant effect on food scarcity and food price hikes. 1.6 Significance of the Study This study holds significant relevance for various stakeholders. For policymakers and government agencies, the findings will provide empirical evidence to inform the development of targeted interventions aimed at mitigating the impact of herdsmen banditry on agriculture. For the agricultural sector, understanding the dynamics of these conflicts will aid in developing strategies to safeguard farming activities and ensure food security. Additionally, the study will contribute to the academic discourse on security and food systems, serving as a valuable resource for researchers and scholars. 1.7 Scope of the Study The study focuses on the implications of herdsmen banditry activities on food scarcity in Nigeria, with a particular emphasis on the Ibarapa and Oke-Ogun zones in Oyo State. These areas have been selected due to their vulnerability to herdsmen attacks and their significance in the state's agricultural output. The study will explore the nature of these attacks, their impact on farming activities, and the consequent effects on food production and pricing. 1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS Food Scarcity: A scarcity or shortage of food may happen when not enough food is produced, such as when crops fail due to drought, crises, pests, or too much moisture. But the problem can also result from the uneven distribution of natural resource endowment for a country, and by human institutions, such as government, public policy and terrorist attacks on farming communities Food Insecurity: Food insecurity is measured as a household-level concept that refers to uncertain, insufficient, or unacceptable availability, access, or utilization of food. Banditry: Banditry is a type of organized crime committed by outlaws typically involving the threat or use of violence. A person who engages in banditry is known as a bandit and primarily commits crimes such as extortion, robbery, and murder, either as an individual or in groups. Herdsmen: Herdsmen or Fulani pastoralists are nomadic or semi-nomadic. Fulani people whose primary occupation is raising livestock. Crisis: A crisis is any event or period that will lead, or may lead, to an unstable and dangerous situation affecting an individual, group, or all of society. Crises are negative changes in the human or environmental affairs, especially when they occur abruptly, with little or no warning.