Inside Story

How can a food security crisis be avoided in northern Nigeria?

A surge in attacks on farmers in the region is threatening the nation’s food reserves.

Farmers in northern Nigeria are caught between protecting their lives and their livelihoods.

They are attacked by armed bandits, and being kidnapped or forced to pay levies before they can reach their farmlands.

Deteriorating security in the northwest is reducing food reserves and adding to the nation’s food crisis. It is estimated output has dropped by 60 percent.

The violence is compounding challenges caused by climate change and the coronavirus pandemic.

The United Nations has warned people in parts of the northeast are also at risk of famine.

How can farmworkers and crops be protected?

Presenter: Mohammed Jamjoom

Guests:

Serah Makka-Ugbabe – Nigeria country director at ONE, a global movement campaigning to end extreme poverty by 2030

Ovigwe Eguegu – geopolitical analyst at the security think-tank Afripolitika

Aisha Yesufu – social justice and political activist