Food Security In Nigeria Amidst Terrorism: An Exploratory Study of Borno State Scenario 2017-2022

Abstract

From the last decade, Nigeria is gripped with currently in the grip of a terrible conflict; the last decade in Borno State Northeast region has experienced violent conflict caused by Boko Haram terrorists in the Northeast region especially Borno State. This study is an explanatory assessment of food security amid terrorism in Borno State, Nigeria between 2017–2022. Utilizing a qualitative research method, the study adopts a survey approach through Focus Group Discussion (FGD) as the primary data collection instrument. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select fifteen (15) respondents from twelve (12) local government areas in Borno State. These respondents include twelve (12) farmers (each representing one of the selected local governments), an army general, a police chief in charge of security and the commissioner of agriculture in Borno State. The selection criteria focused on individuals with first-hand experience of Boko Haram’s impact on agricultural activities and food security. Failed state theory was adopted as a framework to explain the Scenario. Findings indicate that the insurgency has significantly disrupted farming, leading to massive food shortages, unemployment and forced displacement of farmers. The study concludes that Boko Haram’s activities have severely undermined food security in Borno State, necessitating urgent security interventions, policy reforms and agricultural rehabilitation programs. The study recommends increased military presence, improved support for displaced farmers and long-term measures to restore agricultural productivity in the region.