ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF INSECURITY ON CROP YIELD AND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN GIWA, BIRNIN-GWARI, AND IGABI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF KADUNA STATE

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of insecurity on food production in Giwa, Birnin-Gwari, and Igabi Local Government Areas of Kaduna State, with particular focus on crop production, livestock production, and food availability. The study was anchored on the Human Needs Theory, which explains how threats to human safety and survival undermine livelihood activities and social stability. The increasing incidence of banditry, kidnapping, farmer–herder conflicts, cattle rustling, and communal violence in northwestern Nigeria has severely disrupted agricultural systems and weakened rural food security. Against this background, the study examined the extent to which insecurity affects agricultural productivity and food availability in the selected local government areas. A mixed-methods research design was adopted for the study. Quantitative data were obtained through the administration of 451 structured questionnaires to farmers and pastoralists across the study areas, while qualitative data were generated through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with 15 key informants comprising farmers, pastoralists, community leaders, agricultural extension officers, and local security stakeholders. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and simple linear regression analysis, while qualitative responses were analyzed thematically. Findings revealed that insecurity exerts a statistically significant negative effect on crop production, livestock production, and food availability in the study areas (p < 0.05). The regression analysis indicated that insecurity accounted for approximately 47.6% of the variation in food production within the affected communities. Empirical evidence further showed substantial reductions in farm size cultivated, declining crop yields, destruction of agricultural assets, restricted access to grazing routes, displacement of farming households, loss of livestock, disruption of market activities, and reduced access to agricultural inputs and extension services. Responses from focus group discussions and interviews also revealed that persistent fear of attacks, abduction of farmers, and violent clashes have compelled many rural households to abandon farming and pastoral activities, thereby reducing local food supply and contributing to rising food prices and household food insecurity. The study concluded that insecurity constitutes a major impediment to agricultural productivity and sustainable food systems in Giwa, Birnin-Gwari, and Igabi Local Government Areas of Kaduna State. The persistent nature of violent insecurity weakens rural livelihoods, undermines food availability, and threatens the socioeconomic stability of agrarian communities. The study therefore recommends the strengthening of rural security architecture through coordinated security operations and community-based surveillance systems. It also recommends the provision of targeted agricultural support programmes for affected farmers and pastoralists, rehabilitation of damaged market and veterinary infrastructure, expansion of agricultural extension services, and establishment of strategic community grain reserves to improve food security and enhance rural resilience.