The once-thriving agricultural sector in Northern Nigeria, particularly in the nineteen northern states, is under siege as farming communities face unrelenting violence from bandits, insurgents, and herdsmen. This unprecedented crisis is threatening the livelihood of millions and causing a spike in food prices nationwide.
For years, the north has been a key supplier of food for both internal consumption and export. The region’s farmers, using irrigation techniques, cultivated crops such as yams, maize, millet, rice, potatoes, onions, and melons throughout the year. However, increasing insecurity has made it nearly impossible for farmers to access their land or harvest crops.
In Niger State, banditry has taken a toll on farmers, with 18 of the 25 local government areas under the control of criminals. Bandits have not only blocked access to farmlands but have also burned crops and homes. In 2024, the situation worsened when bandits attacked communities like Allawa and Bassa, leaving at least 30 farmers dead.
Efforts to quell the violence have met with limited success, though there has been relative peace in some regions after heavy security deployments. Despite this, incidents in places like Rafi and Gidigori remain a concern. Bandits, often coming from nearby Kaduna, continue to terrorize farmers and displace entire communities.
In contrast, Katsina State has seen a surge in agricultural production, even in the face of insecurity. Despite challenges posed by crop-eating worms and pests, the state managed a bumper harvest due to abundant rainfall and proactive government intervention. Some farmers, particularly in Jibia, have had to rely on joint security forces for protection as they return to their fields.
Meanwhile, the people of Plateau State continue to suffer from insecurity. Farmers are reluctant to return to their lands, as fear of kidnapping or murder looms large. With limited access to modern farming equipment, many farmers rely on outdated tools for subsistence farming, further hindering their ability to cultivate food.
In Zamfara, a similar plight persists, where bandits impose levies on farmers before allowing them to till or harvest crops. The situation has forced many farmers to abandon their land, and those who remain face exploitation and violence.
However, there is hope on the horizon as government and security forces work to secure these regions. In Kaduna, a peace pact between the state government and bandits has allowed some farmers to return to their fields, leading to a more peaceful coexistence between herders and farmers. If the peace continues, experts expect a significant reduction in food prices.
In Benue State, known as the "Food Basket of the Nation," food production has plummeted as herdsmen attacks force farmers to flee. The state currently hosts over 500,000 displaced persons, many of whom can no longer produce the food that once made it a major contributor to Nigeria's food supply.
Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration is working to provide land for displaced farmers and improve farming practices in a bid to reduce food insecurity. But the ongoing attacks continue to overshadow these efforts, making it difficult for displaced farmers to return to their land.
As these communities continue to grapple with insecurity, the rest of the country feels the ripple effects in rising food prices. The government’s efforts to restore peace and order remain ongoing, but the path to stability is fraught with challenges.
