Farmer Insecurity in Nigeria: A Growing Concern
Intensified Attacks on Farmers
As attacks on farmers have intensified across Nigeria, many smallholder farmers like Fatima Bello from Sokoto have abandoned their dry season farming activities.
The Consequences of Insecurity
Fatima Bello, a smallholder farmer of rice, millet, and beans, shared her experience of farming under constant threat. "During the dry season last year, I did not even plant anything because of this issue of insecurity," she said. "What I would have produced that I would have used for my family and also take to the market, other people are going to benefit from what I will sell. They will buy, but now it means if I don’t produce anything, then it means I will not have been able to have something to use."
Government Intervention
In response to the growing concern, the government declared a state of emergency on food security in 2023 and deployed 10,000 agro rangers across 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The agro rangers’ mission is to safeguard farmland and mediate conflicts, especially in areas hit by farmer-herder clashes.
Farmers’ Perspective
Bello sees this as a positive step. "I think it is welcomed development," she said. "It has just been started, so we need to see, maybe take some time. Then we will be able to know the impact."
Security Measures
Affirming the rangers’ readiness to restore safety across the food belt, Babawale Afolabi, a spokesperson for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, says all hands are on deck. "Our operatives have been on top of the game since the commissioning of the agro rangers squad nationwide…. The agro ranger is a well-seasoned, trained and formidable special force, and we thank the federal government for providing necessary logistics so far," he said.
Logistics and Support
Plateau, Zamfara, Niger, and other states considered hot zones for farmer insecurity are supporting the squad with logistics. Additionally, farmer and agricultural economist Retson Tedheke stresses the need for more personnel. "It’s a very good thing," he said, "but 10,000 is a very small number. If you ask me, there are over 150,000 polling units. Multiply that by five, that should be the agro rangers we have. And not just in the agro ranger level – if you are sending five agro rangers in a particular location, send five extension workers."
Addressing Root Causes
Tedheke warns that addressing the root causes of insecurity in farming communities requires sustained effort. "Nigerian farmers should be getting loans at between 5% and 7%," he said, "because we are producing food…. Food security is a major component of political development, governmental development and leadership development.”
Food Insecurity Projections
The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization says that 22 million Nigerians could face food insecurity in 2024, with projections rising to 82 million by 2030.
Conclusion
The attacks on farmers in Nigeria have resulted in a significant decline in agricultural production, leading to food inflation and insecurity. While the government’s intervention is a step in the right direction, more needs to be done to address the root causes of insecurity and ensure the safety of farmers.
FAQs
- What is the current situation with farmer insecurity in Nigeria?
Farmer insecurity is a growing concern in Nigeria, with attacks on farmers intensifying across the country. - What is the government doing to address the issue?
The government has declared a state of emergency on food security and deployed 10,000 agro rangers across 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory. - What is the impact of farmer insecurity on the country’s food security?
Farmer insecurity is leading to a decline in agricultural production, resulting in food inflation and insecurity. - What is the projected food insecurity situation in Nigeria?
According to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, 22 million Nigerians could face food insecurity in 2024, with projections rising to 82 million by 2030.
