Nigeria's ongoing farmer-herder crisis has escalated dramatically, resulting in the displacement of over 2.2 million individuals and significantly contributing to rising food insecurity and inflation nationwide. A recent report by SBM Intelligence, titled "A Threat to National Stability: How the Escalating Conflict Between Herders and Farming Communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt Has Spread South While Maintaining Its Grip on the Country’s Food Basket (2019-2025)," provides an in-depth analysis of the conflict's devastating impact over the past six years.
Key Findings from the SBM Intelligence Report:
Mass Displacement: The conflict has forced more than 2.2 million people from their homes across Nigeria. In Benue State alone, over 300,000 individuals are currently residing in makeshift camps, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
Agricultural Decline: The Middle Belt, often referred to as Nigeria's food basket, has experienced a drastic reduction in agricultural output due to the violence. This decline has disrupted food supply chains and contributed to escalating food prices nationwide.
Economic Toll: Beyond the immediate humanitarian impact, the crisis has inflicted substantial economic losses. A report by Nanyang Technological University and the Singapore Business Federation Center for African Studies estimates that Nigeria loses over $14 billion annually due to the farmer-herder conflict.
Security Challenges: The conflict has become intertwined with other criminal activities, including cattle rustling and kidnapping for ransom, creating a complex security situation that poses significant challenges for authorities and local communities alike.
Contributing Factors:
Several factors have exacerbated the farmer-herder crisis in Nigeria:
Climate Change: Changing climate patterns have led to desertification and reduced arable land, pushing herders further south into farming communities and increasing competition for scarce resources.
Inadequate Government Response: Limited intervention and support from governmental agencies have allowed the conflict to persist and escalate, leaving affected communities vulnerable and without sufficient aid.
Economic Pressures: Farmers in conflict-affected areas are often subjected to extortion by armed groups. For instance, reports indicate that in some northern states, farmers have been forced to pay levies ranging from ₦70,000 to ₦100,000 to access their own farmlands.
Impact on Food Security:
The displacement of farmers and the abandonment of farmlands have led to a significant decrease in food production. This reduction, coupled with the destruction of crops and farming infrastructure, has intensified food scarcity and driven up prices. As of June 2024, food inflation in Nigeria reached 40.87%, the highest since 2014, further straining the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians.
The farmer-herder crisis in Nigeria represents a multifaceted challenge with profound humanitarian, economic, and security implications. Addressing this crisis requires a comprehensive approach that includes conflict resolution strategies, support for displaced populations, investment in agricultural infrastructure, and proactive measures to mitigate the effects of climate change. Without such interventions, the cycle of violence and its detrimental impacts on Nigeria's food security and economic stability are likely to persist.
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