Food Crisis Fears Grow as Bandits Keep Farmers Off Farms
Bandit attacks and illegal levies are keeping farmers away from farmlands across key food-producing states, raising fears over food supplies.
Nigeria faces growing food crisis concerns as insecurity prevents farmers in several major food-producing states from fully using the rainy season.
Findings by the Nigerian Tribune showed that farmers in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Benue, Plateau, Niger, Taraba, Nasarawa and Kebbi have faced attacks, displacement or illegal levies imposed by bandits.
In Zamfara, farmers in several local government areas have struggled to reach their farms. A resident, Adamu Abdullahi, said bandits demanded N20 million from communities across five villages before allowing farmers to access their land. Farmers in Katsina have also faced illegal “farming taxes” and “peace levies”, with some paying up to N50,000 per acre.
Taraba residents in 12 communities across four local governments remain unable to access ancestral homes and farms, while attacks have damaged crops. In Sokoto, farmers in several local government areas continue to face difficulties reaching their fields despite military operations.
The situation has also affected the Middle Belt, where farmers in Plateau, Niger and Benue have abandoned communities because of attacks. In Plateau, more than 100 farming communities and villages across Riyom, Barkin-Ladi and Jos South were reportedly deserted, while Irish potato production has declined.
In Niger State, security expert Joseph Musa said attacks, kidnappings and killings had forced farmers to abandon their farms, with recent regional studies indicating that food production had fallen by 52 per cent.
Benue has also seen widespread displacement, particularly in Guma, Kwande, Gwer West and Logo. Meanwhile, improved security in parts of Kebbi State has allowed farmers in Danko-Wassagu and Sakaba to return to cultivation.
The Middle Belt Forum said insecurity has pushed many farmers into poverty and reduced agricultural output. Luka Biniyat said bandits had taken over more than 6,000 square kilometres of fertile land in Southern Kaduna.
With the rainy season underway, continued insecurity could deepen the food crisis by reducing farm activity and threatening rural livelihoods.
Could sustained insecurity lead to a more serious food crisis later this year?
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