Bandit Attacks Threaten Nigeria’s Food Production

Nigeria faces growing concerns over a possible food crisis as insecurity prevents many farmers from accessing their fields during the rainy season.

States including Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Taraba, Plateau, Niger, Benue and Kebbi have recorded serious disruptions to farming. Many farmers have abandoned their land, while others pay illegal levies to armed groups before they can cultivate or harvest their crops.

In Zamfara, banditry has affected major farming communities across several local government areas. Farmers in some villages reportedly faced a N20 million levy before gaining access to their farms, while attacks have also claimed lives.

Katsina has faced a similar challenge, with farmers in several local government areas reportedly paying illegal farming taxes of up to N50,000 per acre. Those who refuse face threats, crop destruction and physical attacks.

In Taraba, 12 communities remain cut off from their homes and farmland, while attacks in Sokoto continue to disrupt farming at the height of the rainy season.

The crisis also affects the North Central region. In Plateau, more than 100 farming communities and villages have reportedly been deserted, contributing to a decline in Irish potato production. In Niger State, a security expert said food production had fallen by 52 per cent.

Meanwhile, attacks have displaced farming communities in Benue, while improved security in parts of Kebbi has allowed farmers to return and cultivate crops such as rice, millet, beans and tomatoes.

With insecurity driving farmers from their fields, the threat to food production is becoming increasingly serious. What more should governments do to protect farmers and secure Nigeria’s food supply?