INSECURITY AND FOOD SECURITY IN BENUE STATE, 2014-2025

ABSTRACT The study examined insecurity and food security in Benue State between 2015 to 2024. Four research objectives and questions guided the study. The survey research design was adopted for the study while the Taro Yamane formula of 1967 was employed to determine the sample of the study. Benue State was stratified into Ukum, Guma and Agatu representing the three senatorial zones in the state while the simple random technique was adopted to select four hundred (400) respondents. Data was collected through the administration of a well-structured questionnaire with closed ended questions to the respondents and was analyzed using simple percentages and tables. The findings of the study revealed that, communal clashes, farmers/herders’ crises and competition for resources are the major causes of insecurity in Benue State. The study revealed that the destruction of farmlands and storage facilities and the displacement of farmers has created food shortage leading to food insecurity. The study also revealed that government has initiated and implemented various policies such anti-open grazing law among others to cushion the menace of insecurity on food security in the state but these policies have not been effective due to corruption, inadequate funding among others. The study recommends among other things that, employment opportunities be made available to citizens to discourage them from indulging in vices; government agencies, corporate bodies and the local communities should build synergy in addressing insecurity in the state.