Assessment of the Impact of Boko Haram Insurgency on Food Insecurities in North East Nigeria
Abstract
The activities of the Boko Haram insurgency have significantly affected socio-economic stability in North-East Nigeria, particularly agricultural production and food supply systems. This study examines the impact of Boko Haram insurgency on food insecurity in North-East Nigeria, a region that has experienced persistent violence, population displacement, and disruption of rural livelihoods. The objectives of the study are to: examine the relationship between Boko Haram insurgency and food insecurity in the region; assess the extent to which the displacement of farming communities has affected agricultural productivity and food availability; and evaluate the coping strategies adopted by affected households in response to food shortages. The study adopts a mixed-method research design, combining both qualitative and quantitative approaches in order to obtain comprehensive data. Primary data will be collected through structured questionnaires administered to farmers, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and community members in selected areas of Borno State, Yobe State, and Adamawa State. In addition, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions will be conducted with community leaders, humanitarian workers, and local government officials. Secondary data will be obtained from reports and publications of organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Programme, as well as scholarly literature on conflict and food security. Quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data will be interpreted through thematic analysis. The expected findings indicate that Boko Haram insurgency has intensified food insecurity by destroying farmlands, restricting farming activities, displacing rural populations, and disrupting food distribution networks. The study is expected to recommend improved security, agricultural rehabilitation programs, and sustainable food security policies to address the crisis in North-East Nigeria.