BOKO HARAM INSURGENCY AND FOOD SECURITY IN ADAMAWA STATE: MITIGATING ITS EFFECT THROUGH COMMUNITY-BASED STRATEGIES
Godiya Yerima Mshelia 1, Felix Aromo Ilesanmi 2 & Saheed Babajide Owonikoko 3
Center for Peace and Security Studies, Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Nigeria 1 & 3
Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Modibbo Adama University Yola, Nigeria 2
Corresponding Email: godiyayerima@gmail.com 1
Abstract
The Boko Haram insurgency has had devastating effects on human security, economic livelihoods, and particularly food security in the Northern Senatorial District of Adamawa State, Nigeria. This region, which includes local government areas such as Madagali, Michika, and Mubi North is primarily agrarian and heavily reliant on subsistence farming and livestock rearing. However, the escalation of insurgent attacks has disrupted agricultural activities, dislocated farming communities, and undermined food stability in both rural and urban areas. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. The population comprised 681,400 residents of Madagali, Michika and Mubi North LGAs; using Taro Yamane’s formula, 204 farming households were proportionately sampled, and judgmental techniques ensured inclusion of households directly affected by insurgent attacks. A validated four-section Likert-scale questionnaire ( = 0.81) and a semi-structured key-informant interview guide were used; 197 usable responses (96 %) were analysed with SPSS v.25 via means, standard deviations and content analysis. Boko Haram attacks have precipitated a 47 % reduction in cultivated land, farm abandonment and destruction of harvested crops, significantly affecting local food stability. The study concluded that the insurgency has not merely reduced food supply but has dismantled the entire food system, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of conflict-driven hunger. finally, it was recommended among others that the JTF should be given more logistical and technical support to improve surveillance, protect farming zones, and maintain a lasting security presence in key agricultural areas. Furthermore, government should scale up the distribution of farming inputs (seeds, tools, fertilizers) and ensure it reaches the most affected areas with transparency and fairness.
Keywords: Boko Haram, Insurgency, Food Stability, Community Approaches, Food Security.
