Impact of Banditry and Farmers / Herdsmen Clash on Food Security in Ndokwa–East, Ndokwa-West, and Ukwuani Local Governments Area of Delta State

Abstract

Food security in Nigeria is a state where everybody at all times has access to food, this is far from being achieved in Nigeria. This study was conducted to determine the impact of banditry on food security, challenges faced by farmers, and the solutions in the Ndokwa–East, Ndokwa-West, and Ukwuani Local Governments Areas of Delta State. One hundred and fifty-five (155) farmers were used. A purposive sampling technique was also used. Structured questionnaires with forty (40) items of four (4) a point scale consisting of Strongly agreed (SD) Agreed (A) Disagreed (D) Strongly disagreed (SD), with a numerical weight score of 4,3,2,1 respectively was used to collect information from the farmers. Data collected were analyzed using simple percentages and simple statistical means. A decision rule was established where any item with a mean above 2.50 was accepted and items with a mean below 2.50 were rejected. The farmers disclosed that the conflict between the farmers and herders which has resulted in violence and communal clash has led to the loss of lives of many farmers and also displaced many farmers from their homes and this has added to untold challenges of food security in Nigeria which is a big threat to food production leading to abject hunger and starvation. It was recommended that the host community use community vigilantes in the local government area and negotiate with the Fulanis leaders to reach a common understanding of peaceful co-existence.