EFFECT OF INSECURITY ON SELECTED ARABLE CROPS OUTPUT IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

This study examined the effect of insecurity on the output of arable crops by farmers in the rural area in Delta State, Nigeria. Particularly, it determined the effect of insecurity on agricultural enterprises and determined the output of  major arable crops  in the period of peak insecurity  in 2023. Descriptive survey research design was adopted and data were obtained, using structured questionnaires, on 180 randomly selected respondents. The findings revealed that insecurity had far-reaching effects on all the farming processes and land preparation (mean = 2.8), planting, weeding and crop monitoring (mean = 2.6 for the three) were most affected. Crop output was also adversely affected, with cassava (mean = 4.16), yam (3.24), and maize (3.08) being most affected, while vegetables (2.41) and plantain (1.66) were less affected. ANOVA results showed significant difference (F = 96.308, p < 0.001) of the levels of output among the crops, a clear evidence that insecurity disproportionately affects arable crop outputs. The study warrants multi-stakeholder interventions as enhanced rural security, peace building activities, investment in infrastructure, and targeted post-insecurity support to resume productivity and increase farmers' resilience.