Combating terrorism, banditry to safeguard Nigeria’s food security
As the country grapples with the menacing threat of terrorism and banditry, a more sinister danger lurks in the shadows — food insecurity. The recent surge in violent attacks in states like Benue, Niger, Plateau, Kaduna, and Zamfara has not only displaced innocent lives but also imperilled the nation’s food supply. The consequences are stark and alarming.
With an estimated 26.5 million people facing acute hunger in the June-August 2024 lean season, the situation is nothing short of catastrophic.
The numbers are a staggering increase from the 18.6 million food-insecure individuals at the end of 2023. The perfect storm of conflict, inflation, and climate crisis has dealt a devastating blow to food production in Nigeria.
Farmers, the backbone of our nation’s food security, are being forced off their land, and their crops are being destroyed. This not only exacerbates the food shortage but also perpetuates a cycle of poverty and despair.
In Niger State, bandits have brazenly seized farmlands, using the resources for their own benefit. This egregious act is a stark reminder of the dire situation we face.
The impact on households is equally distressing. With poor economic conditions depleting purchasing power, families are struggling to access basic necessities like food. The early reliance on market purchases has only exacerbated the problem, leaving many without enough to eat, let alone sell.
Bandit attacks in Shiroro local government area of Niger state have caused significant displacement, affecting 600 individuals across four villages: Lanta, Tunga, Dnakau, and Juweedna in Erena. These attacks have forced villagers into unpaid labour on seized farmlands, leading many to abandon their agricultural activities.
In addition to this, conflict in the North East region has displaced 2.2 million people and exposed 4.4 million more to food insecurity in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states.
Borno State, the epicentre of insurgency, hosts three million of these affected individuals. Nigeria’s susceptibility to periodic droughts and floods further worsens the situation, diminishing agricultural output and heightening vulnerability among rural populations.
Insurgent activities have intensified pressure on an already fragile resource environment, worsening insecurity and hindering development. This has notably increased food and nutrition insecurity, particularly among vulnerable women and children.
The World Food Programme (WFP) is actively working to support 1.1 million vulnerable people each month in northern Nigeria, including displaced persons in camps, host communities, and returnees.
Furthermore, rural-urban migration continues to impact agricultural production, thereby affecting food sufficiency in rural areas. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) recently reported a food inflation rate of 40.66 percent in May, marking a substantial increase from 24.82 percent recorded in May 2023.
Given the urgent circumstances, it is imperative that we urge the government to take bold actions to tackle insecurity in Northern Nigeria.
Additionally, it is crucial for the government to acknowledge food security as a fundamental human right and to fulfil its duty in ensuring citizens have sufficient access to food for themselves and their families. This requires decisive measures to address the root causes of insecurity and to provide adequate protection for farmers and their crops.
Moreover, the government should incentivise agricultural investment and support small-scale farmers by facilitating access to credit, offering training, and providing technical assistance.
Collaboration with international partners to secure funding and technical expertise for agricultural development is also essential for Nigeria.
Alongside governmental efforts, civil society organisations and the private sector can contribute significantly to alleviating Nigeria’s impending food insecurity. They can collaborate with farmers to offer support, resources, and advocate for policies that promote food security.
Undoubtedly, food insecurity in Nigeria demands immediate attention from all stakeholders. The government must aggressively confront insecurity, bolster agricultural development, and assist small-scale farmers. Civil society organisations and the private sector must also actively engage to mitigate this challenge.
Through unified efforts, Nigeria can potentially avert food insecurity and ensure every citizen has access to adequate sustenance for themselves and their families.
We urge the government to take immediate action to address this crisis. The security of our farmers and the stability of our food supply are non-negotiable. We cannot afford to ignore the warning signs any longer. The time for decisive action is now.
Let us work together to ensure that our nation’s food security is not held hostage by the nefarious activities of terrorists and bandits. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and the future of our great nation.
