Nigeria’s Farmer-Herder Crisis Worsens, Displaces 2.2 Million, Fuels Food Inflation – Report

A new report by SBM Intelligence has revealed that Nigeria’s ongoing farmer-herder conflict has reached a critical level, displacing over 2.2 million people and exacerbating food insecurity across the country.

Titled “A Threat to National Stability: How the Escalating Conflict Between Herders and Farming Communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt Has Spread South While Maintaining Its Grip on the Country’s Food Basket (2019-2025)”, the report details the conflict’s devastating toll over the past six years.

According to SBM Intelligence, Benue State alone hosts over 300,000 displaced people in makeshift camps, while Nigeria’s agricultural output has suffered significantly, driving food price inflation to alarming levels. The report also links the crisis to rising criminal activities, including cattle rustling, banditry, and kidnapping for ransom.

Economic and Security Fallout

The conflict has severely impacted Nigeria’s agricultural sector, particularly in the Middle Belt, the country’s primary food-producing region. The disruption of farming activities has led to reduced food supply, worsening inflation, and further destabilizing rural economies dependent on agriculture.

Beyond economic losses, the clashes have intensified insecurity nationwide, as armed groups exploit the situation to expand their criminal operations. The increasing availability of illegal arms in conflict zones has worsened the violence, deepening tensions and complicating security efforts.

Government Response and Policy Gaps

Despite interventions like the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) and anti-open grazing laws in several states, the report notes that enforcement remains weak due to political resistance, funding challenges, and logistical constraints.

With the conflict now spreading to southern states like Edo and Ondo, SBM Intelligence warns of a looming nationwide food crisis if urgent measures are not taken.

Recommendations for Resolution

To curb the escalating crisis, SBM Intelligence calls for:

Stronger security measures to tackle arms proliferation and criminal elements.

Comprehensive agricultural reforms to support displaced farmers and promote climate-resilient farming.

Sustainable conflict resolution strategies that address long-term land-use challenges between farmers and herders.

Without decisive action, the crisis could further destabilize Nigeria, worsening economic hardship and threatening national stability.

-Nairametrics