EFFECTS OF BOKO HARAM INSURGENCY ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION AND FOOD SECURITY IN NORTHEAST NIGERIA
Nicholas Rogers Ibe, Andrew E. Zamani, PhD and Evelyn Nicholas
Volume 5 Issue 2
Abstract
This paper investigates the impact of the Boko Haram insurgency on food security in Northeast Nigeria, a region grappling with protracted conflict, displacement, and systemic fragility. Theoretically, it integrates Human Security Theory (emphasizing systemic vulnerabilities) and Rational Choice Theory (exploring individual survival strategies), offering a dual lens to analyse conflict-driven food insecurity. Methodologically, the qualitative systematic literature review, guided by the PRISMA framework was adopted, through which 47 peer-reviewed studies, institutional reports, and datasets (2009–2025) were synthesized, employing thematic and quantitative analyses. Key findings revealed that Boko Haram adopt a hybrid tactics, including burning farmlands, looting harvests, and controlling markets, which precipitated a 45.94% decline in crop yields, 300% food price inflation, and 15% child malnutrition rates. The insurgency’s intersection with climate shocks (e.g., erratic rainfall) and governance failures has displaced 1.8 million people, destabilizing agricultural resilience and trapping communities in aid dependency. On the premise of these findings, the study concludes that Boko Haram’s weaponization of food scarcity exacerbates poverty cycles, demanding holistic interventions. The study thus recommends establishing military-protected agricultural corridors to enable safe farming; scaling climate resilient practices (drought-resistant crops, agroforestry); and deploying subsidized food networks and anti extortion task forces to stabilize markets. These strategies underscore the need to align security, development, and human rights frameworks for sustainable recovery. weaponization of starvation in conflicts as a crime against humanity. Globally, regions grappling with Keywords: Boko Haram Insurgency, Food Security, Northeast Nigeria, Climate Resilience, Agricultural Collapse, Humanitarian Crisis.
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