Herders’ Violence And Food Insecurity In Lafia Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Persistent conflicts between herders and farmers have intensified food insecurity in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, particularly in Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, where repeated attacks on farmland, farming activities, and crops undermine agricultural production and livelihoods. The study examined the effects of herders’ attacks on farmland, farming activities, and crops on food insecurity in Lafia Local Government Area. The study was anchored in resource scarcity theory, which explains conflict as a product of competition over limited land and water resources intensified by environmental and demographic pressures. A descriptive survey design integrating quantitative and qualitative methods was adopted. Data were collected from 373 adult respondents using structured questionnaires and from 15 participants through in depth interviews. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied alongside thematic content analysis. The results revealed that herders’ attacks significantly reduce agricultural productivity, disrupt planting and harvesting cycles, encourage farmland abandonment, and increase food prices. Crop destruction was found to directly reduce household food availability, farm yields, and dietary stability, leading to heightened hunger and reliance on external food sources. These effects cumulatively weaken local food systems and discourage agricultural investment. The study concludes that herders’ attacks constitute a major structural driver of food insecurity in Lafia Local Government Area, with both immediate and long term consequences for agricultural sustainability and household welfare. The study recommends the enforcement of clear land use planning, strengthened security and community based conflict resolution mechanisms, protection of farming areas, and integrated agricultural support policies to enhance food security and promote peaceful resource governance.