Impact of Insecurity on Food Security in Benue State, Nigeria

Background: Benue State, Nigeria, has experienced persistent insecurity challenges, including herder-farmer conflicts, banditry, and kidnapping. These security threats have significant implications for food security, as agricultural activities are disrupted, and farmers are unable to cultivate and harvest their crops. Objective: This study investigated the impact of insecurity on food security in Benue State, Nigeria, with a focus on the effects of herder-farmer conflicts on agricultural productivity and food availability. Method: Survey research method was adopted, using structured questionnaire and interview schedule. Employing a multistage sampling technique, data were collected from 180 farming households across three highly affected Local Government Areas (Guma, Logo, and Agatu). Descriptive statistics and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression analysis were used to analyse the data. Result: Findings show that 72% of households experienced at least one form of insecurity in the past year, with herder attacks being the most prevalent and recurrent. Insecurity significantly disrupted agricultural activities—68% of respondents abandoned farmlands, while 59% faced market inaccessibility due to fear and road blockades. Coping mechanisms adopted by affected households included skipping meals (70%), reliance on less preferred foods (55%), and food aid dependence (35%). Regression results showed that insecurity incidents (β = -0.34, p < 0.01), displacement (β = -0.42, p < 0.01), and poor market access (β = -0.29, p < 0.05) were significant predictors of reduced food security, while income level and agricultural support had positive effects. Conclusion: The study concludes that insecurity undermines food production, access, and resilience, leading to worsening food insecurity in affected areas. Unique Contribution: This study contributes to the existing literature on the nexus between insecurity and food security, providing empirical evidence from Benue State, Nigeria. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, development practitioners, and scholars working on food security and conflict resolution in Nigeria. Key recommendation: The study recommends urgent policy interventions, including enhanced security measures, support for displaced farmers, and investment in rural food supply chains to mitigate the adverse impacts of conflicts on food security in Benue State, Nigeria.