INSECURITY AND FOOD SECURITY IN BENUE STATE: A STUDY OF GUMA LOCAL GOVERNMENT, BENUE STATE

Abstract The study examines the impact of insecurity on food security in Guma Local GGovernment Area of Benue State, Nigeria, where violent conflicts between farmers and herders have severely disrupted agricultural activities. The study utilizes both primary and sccondary source of data collection. The theoretical framework of Conflict Theory highlights the role of resource competition, particularly land and grazing rights, as a key driver of the viólent conflicts between farmers and herders. These conflicts create a cycle of insecurity that hinders agricultural development and exacerbates food insecurity. Insecurity has led to a reduction in agricultural productivity, as farmlands are cither destroyed or abandoned due to violence.Many farmers have been displaced, losing their livelihoods and causing a decline in food availability, both for personal consumption and market supply. Incrcased food prices have resulted from disrupted food production, while limited access to markets and transport due to insecurity further exacerbates food scarcity. As a result, many households in Guma cannot afford basic food items, leading to greater levels of hunger and malnutrition. The displacement of farmers has not only worsened food security but also strained local government and humanitarian responses, which have becn inadequate in addressing the needs of displaced populations. Findings suggest that addressing the root causes of conflict, enhancing security,and strengthening local conflict resolution mcchanisms ae crucial to improving food security in Guma. Government intervention necds to focus on supporting displaced populations and restoring agricultural production to mitigate the long-term effects of insecurity on food access and livelihoods. Without effective interventions, food insecurity will remain a significant challenge in the region.