Herdsmen activities on food production and distribution in Benue state, Nigeria

Food production and distribution are fundamental to the survival and economic stability of rural communities. However, in Benue state, food security is not assured due to insecurity occasioned by the activities of killer herdsmen. The study evaluated the effect of herdsmen activities on food production and distribution in Benue State, Nigeria. Specifically, it ascertained how crop destruction by herdsmen affected hunger level in Benue State; examined the effect of farmland destruction by herdsmen on unemployment in Benue State; and investigated how theft of produce by herdsmen affected crop storage in Benue State. The research adopted survey method of investigation where questionnaire was used. 3500 farmers from three local government areas, each representing the three Senatorial zones of the State were involved. A sample size of 359 farmers derived through Taro Yamane Formula served as respondents. Z-test analysis was employed to test the formulated hypotheses. The study found out that crop destruction by herdsmen increased hunger level in Benue State; that farmland destruction by herdsmen exacerbated unemployment in Benue State; and that produce theft by herdsmen negatively affected crop storage in Benue State. The study concluded that herdsmen activities in Benue State and some other areas of the country is not only causing insecurity and destruction of lives and property, it has brought about dire food insecurity in the state and the country. The study recommended among others that Benue State government should stop waiting for the federal government to bring security to their people. They should create some security initiatives of their own and independently take over the security of their State.