ASSESSING THE ROLES OF MODERN AGRICULTURAL INNOVATIONS IN COMBATTING INSECURITY CHALLENGES IN NIGERIAN AGRICULTURAL SECTOR

This paper examines the roles of modern agricultural innovations in addressing insecurity in Nigeria primarily in the agricultural sector that comprises crops and animal production. This paper looks at the bedevilled clashes that have been occurring between farmers and herders in Nigerian rural areas over the accessibility of land and water resources. Among other things, the clashes exacerbate food insecurity and socio-economic instability in the country. Therefore, this study explores several innovative approaches in crop cultivation and animal husbandry. The paper demonstrated the how use of these technologies can enhance productivity and resilience among farmers and herders. In addition, the paper discusses the major challenges and barriers to the adoption of these innovative approaches that also involve the utilisation of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). The challenges identified included limited access to finance by the farmers and herders, inadequate infrastructure for adopting the innovative approaches, and socio-cultural factors of the farmers and herders that prevent the adoption of the approaches. The study also looks at the recommendations to strengthen agricultural innovations in Nigeria such as improving access to finance, infrastructure development, capacity building, supportive policies, and public-private partnerships.