The <i>Boko Haram</i> Insurgency and Its Effects on Crop Production in Northeast, Nigeria

The study examined the impacts of Boko Haram (BH) insurgency on output of crops in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY) states, Northeast, Nigeria. Time Series data from 1999-2023 was used which was sub divided into 1999-2008 (Period before Boko Haram), 2009-2017 (Period during the peak of Boko Haram) and 2020-2023 as current period. Percentage change, Instability Index and Hazell Decomposition models were used to determined changes, variability and its sources in area, production and productivity of major staple crops (Maize, Millet, Sorghum, Cowpea and Rice) in the study area. The results revealed that, millet recorded the highest decrease in area between period before BH and during the peak period of the insurgent’s activities. Decrease in yield was noticed in all the states and was higher in sorghum, millet and cowpea, so does instability in area, production and productivity of the crops during the period of the insurgency. Similarly sources of change in average of production were majorly as a result of change in mean yield and change in mean area. The findings implied that, farmers has abandoned their farm lands for fear of attacks during the BH period and that poor management practices and inaccessibility to inputs resulted in low yield of crops, The study recommends employing all measures that would in the short and long run increase yield of crops and ‘returnees’ should be giving adequate attention to go back to active farming.