Small-Scale Farmers’ Resilience Strategies against the Effects of Insurgency on Yam Production and Distribution in Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

Insurgency has had significant impact on the yam supply chain in Niger State. Farmers however have adopted several coping strategies, in order to ensure continued production and distribution. This study assesses the adaptation strategies adopted by small-scale yam farmers in Niger State in response to the impact of insurgency on yam production and distribution. Adopting a quantitative research design, primary data was collected through structured questionnaires from a sample of 318 small-scale yam farmers across five (5) Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Niger State. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select respondents, and 313 completed questionnaires were analysed. Descriptive statistics such as mean statistics and ANOVA were adopted for data analysis. The findings revealed that insurgency had a major impact on yam production and distribution as it led to significant declines in output (mean = 4.97), loss of farmland (mean = 4.89), and increased cost of labour (mean = 4.83). To mitigate these effects, farmers adopted various coping strategies, such as prayer for safety, the payment of taxes to insurgents, making pact with insurgents, employment of security and diversification into other agricultural activities. The study concludes that safety issues, labour expenses, and transportation infrastructure are critical factors that affect yam production and successful distribution in Niger State. The study recommended enhancement of security, opening of new safer yam markets, encouraging collaboration in information dissemination among farmers, community leaders and security agencies and the provision of financial support to affected farmers to boost farmers’ resilience.