Nigerian farmers abandon farms after attacks, sending food prices higher

Hassan Ya’u, a farmer in northern Nigeria, escaped a deadly attack by armed men on his farm, but many others were killed or abducted. Such raids, driven by unpaid levies to armed gangs, force farmers to abandon their fields, exacerbating food prices and inflation. Farmers face severe threats, with 1,356 killed since 2020. Efforts to protect farmers are underway, but many, like Ya’u, who lost significant produce, and Abdulaziz Gora, who fled his crops, face uncertain futures.
Source: Business Day

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The ongoing attacks on farmers in northern Nigeria, as highlighted by Hassan Ya’u’s harrowing experience, underscore a severe crisis impacting the agricultural sector. This violence forces farmers to abandon their fields, leading to decreased food production, higher food prices, and exacerbating inflation. The instability threatens Nigeria’s food security, given that the north is a key producer of staples like maize, rice, and yam.
The insecurity in farming areas disrupts the supply chain and deters investment in agriculture. The need for safety measures, such as forming vigilante groups, illustrates the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for government intervention to protect farmers and stabilize the region. Collaborative efforts between the military and farmers’ unions are crucial to ensure safe access to farmlands and mitigate the risk of food shortages.
Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive policies that enhance security, support displaced farmers, and provide financial aid for losses incurred. Long-term solutions must focus on improving rural infrastructure, offering robust security, and fostering resilient agricultural practices.