THE IMPACT OF INSECURITY ON AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF BENUE STATE (2011-2023)

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of insecurity on agricultural development in Nigeria from 2011 to 2023, with Benue State as its focus. Nigeria's agricultural sector is critical to its economy, providing employment and food security for a significant portion of the population. However, persistent insecurity, driven by factors such as Boko Haram insurgency, herder-farmer conflicts, banditry, and kidnappings, has severely disrupted agricultural activities. Insecurity has led to restricted access to farmlands, displacement of farming communities, and disruption of supply chains, exacerbating food insecurity and poverty. Additionally, the study examines the government's response and policy interventions aimed at mitigating the impact of insecurity on agriculture. Despite various initiatives, the effectiveness of these measures remains limited due to ongoing violence and inadequate implementation. The study adopts the Human Security Framework as its theoretical framework. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data analysis of agricultural output, economic reports, and security incidents with qualitative interviews of affected farmers, agricultural experts, and policymakers. The findings reveal a significant decline in agricultural productivity, marked by reduced crop yields, livestock losses, and abandoned farmlands. This study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms and sustainable agricultural policies to restore and enhance agricultural productivity in Nigeria. The findings of the study contribute to a deeper understanding of the nexus between security and agriculture, offering policy recommendations to address the challenges and foster a resilient agricultural sector.