FACT CHECK : FARMING IS NO MORE POSSIBLE IN BENUE COMMUNITIES BECAUSE OF INSECURITY ?

CLAIM

Farming is no more possible in Benue communities because of insecurity.

VERIFICATION

AGRICULTURAL OUTPUT

Available research indicates that insecurity has a measurable negative impact on agricultural productivity. The research indicates however that it is not a total collapse.

According to a study, 1% increase in insecurity leads to about 0.21% decline in crop output.This suggests reduced productivity, not a complete halt in farming activities.

Source:Study on insecurity and agricultural output

FARMING ACTIVITIES ON GROUND

Reports show that:

Farming continues in relatively safer areas of the State.
However, many farmers in high-risk LGAs (e.g., Guma, Logo, Agatu) have abandoned their farmlands for fear of attacks and even death.
Some displaced farmers now farm on smaller or temporary plots donated to them through acts of philanthropy or lease by individuals in less risk areas.

Source:EUAA Nigeria country guidance (Benue section)

DISPLACEMENT OF FARMERS

Thousands of rural residents have been displaced due to repeated attacks.
Displacement reduces access to farmlands and labor availability. Many affected households now rely on aid from donor agencies and philanthropic organizations and individuals for survival instead of farming to earn their living.

Source:EUAA report on displacement and conflict

MEDIA REPORTS

Credible media sources confirm:

Repeated attacks have forced farmers off their lands. Consequently, harvests have declined in affected communities.
Food production has equally been disrupted, especially in frontline areas

Source:AP News report on Benue attacks and farming disruption

MARKET INDICATORS (Food Prices)

Rising prices of staple foods in local markets suggest supply disruptions. However, continued availability of food items indicates that production has not completely stopped.

VERDICT

Misleading;The claim that farming is no longer possible in Benue State is misleading. It is however true that insecurity has significantly reduced farming activities. Many farmers have been displaced and agricultural output has declined in conflict-prone areas but farming has not completely stopped. Several communities still engage in agricultural production

CONCLUSION

Insecurity has seriously weakened agriculture in Benue State, but it has not entirely crippled farming. The reality is a partial disruption, with farming continuing at reduced levels depending on location and security conditions.

This piece  was produced in collaboration with the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) as part of its Media Fellowship.

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