IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

International Journal of Agriculture and Earth Science (IJAES )

E- ISSN 2489-0081
P- ISSN 2695-1894
VOL. 10 NO. 5 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56201/ijaes.v10.no5.2024.pg20.36

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Understanding Food Security and the Failure of Agricultural Infrastructure in Nigeria: A Case of the Management of Herdsmen and Farmers

OKEREKA Onofere Princewill, Ph.D, AMEH, Emmanuel, ERUDE, Shalom Ufuoma

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Abstract

The dearth of agricultural infrastructure, coupled with serial killings spearheaded mostly by Fulani herdsmen, Boko Haram, etc, with attendant of food insecurity has been a major source of concern for the good people of Nigeria. It is against this backdrop, this study was carried out to understanding food security and the failure of agricultural infrastructure in Nigeria vis- a-vis the management of herdsmen and farmers. We adopted the historical design in analyzing the various concepts, drawing from the wealth of scholars who have made meaningful contributions to the subject matter. The Failed State theory, which is premised on 1. ability for the government to protect the lives and property of its citizens, 2. Defend its territorial integrity, 3. Provide public goods and services, etcetera was adopted as our ideological framework. Our data source includes, journals, publications, seminar papers, term papers, and the internet. Our findings include the following: that there is a dearth in agricultural infrastructure in Nigeria; that the discovery of oil which was supposed to bring about even development on all sectors, has put the country's economy on a monopolist lane, whilst other sectors especially agriculture has drastically reduce; that the Nigerian government has failed in many regards, thereby putting a question mark on its sovereign status; that failure to clearly state the rules of engagement on grazing is part of the reason for the Fulani herdsmen clashing with farmers; and government failure in providing infrastructures for farmers especially in the rural areas is a major reason for food insecurity. In conclusion, we recommended the following; government's deliberate effort by partnering with relevant security agencies and government (both internationally and local) in addressing the security issues; provisions of infrastructures and incentives to farmers to help subsidized their cost; setting up a peace keeping committee of experts, and wealthy men to ens

keywords:

Food Security, agricultural infrastructure, herdsmen, farmers, management, failed state.

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References:

Abass, I. (2012) No Retreat No Surrender Conflict for Survival between the Fulani Pastoralist
and Farmers in Northern Nigeria. European Scientific Journal, Vol 8 (1), pp 331-346.

Aliyu, A.S. (2015). Causes and resolution of conflict between cattle herders and crop farmers
in Katsina State. A Publushed M.Sc. Dissertation by the School of Postgraduate Studies,
Ahmadu BelloUniversity, Zaria, pp.1-74.

Bates, Robert H. (2008). "State Failure". Annual Review of Political Science.11, pp.1-12. doi:
10.1146/annurev.polisci.11.060606.132017.

BBC, (2016). Making sense of Nigeria's Fulani-farmer conflict5 May, 2016

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