Worsening Insecurity and Drought Threaten Food Security Nationwide

Insecurity and drought have become critical challenges across Nigeria, exacerbating food insecurity and prompting urgent intervention. Benue State, in particular, has been devastated by bandit and herder attacks, forcing approximately 90% of the population in Zone A into Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. The situation is dire, with crops abandoned and farmers fleeing their ancestral homes. In Zone B, similar challenges prevail, while in Zone C, displaced persons are taking refuge with relatives in safer communities.

Key Takeaways:

• In Benue State, bandit and herder attacks have forced approximately 90% of the population in Zone A into IDP camps.
• Farmers in Zone B, comprising seven LGAs, are struggling with insecurity, with most members of affected communities abandoning their homes and living in camps or with relatives.
• In Zone C, which comprises nine LGAs, displaced persons are not staying in camps but taking refuge with relatives in safer neighbouring communities.
• The crisis has taken a dangerous dimension, with the federal government not doing enough to address the issue, leaving the burden on state governments that lack the resources to handle such overwhelming attacks on farmers.
• The inflation rate has doubled, with prices going up every day, and the few farmers still able to go to the farm cannot afford to buy farm inputs.
• Smallholder farmers in Niger State are facing the lack of access to subsidised farm inputs and storage facilities, making it difficult for them to ensure food security.
• Drought has destroyed crops in Yobe State, particularly around Damaturu, leaving many farmers and residents concerned about the lack of rain and its impact on food security.
• In Kaduna State, residents have continued farming despite security challenges, with some communities witnessing mild floods.