Benue State’s Agricultural Crisis: A Looming Food Shortage

Dayo Thomas

Benue State, Nigeria’s food basket, is facing significant agricultural challenges. Everein Shande, a farmer is warning of a looming food crisis due to soaring production costs and crashing market prices. The cost of inputs like fertilizers, pesticides, and fuel has tripled in the last two years, making it difficult for farmers to break even

Climate change is a major threat to agriculture in Benue State, with droughts and unpredictable rainfall patterns impacting crop yields, particularly maize, yam, and rice production. Insecurity is another significant issue, with attacks by herdsmen and bandits forcing many farmers to abandon their lands, leading to reduced cultivation and food shortages.

The lack of government support is said to be exacerbating the crisis, with farmers calling for subsidies, improved access to credit, and rural security measures. Inadequate storage facilities and poor market access are also contributing to post-harvest losses

The situation is dire, with over 30.6 million Nigerians facing acute food insecurity. The Benue State government has launched a Climate Change Policy to address food shortages, but more needs to be done