The nexus between insurgency, environment and agricultural livelihoods in Nigeria

Against the backdrop of rising trend of insurgency, internally displaced persons, poverty and hunger in Nigeria in a receding economy, the study reviewed the linkages between insurgency, environment and agricultural livelihood activities in Nigeria. The specifically reviewed the theoretical linkages between environment, insecurity and agricultural livelihoods; (ii) x-rayed the trend and nature of insurgency in Nigeria lately; (iii) identified the empirical linkages between environment, insecurity and agricultural livelihoods in Nigeria. The study anchored on Homer-Dixon's theory of eco-violence. It was observed that there are new modes of insurgency in the country over time, spanning from the Niger Delta militancy started by Isaac Boro to Avengers era in the Niger Delta and the current Boko Haram menacing insurgencies in South-South and North-East Nigeria. Empirical and theoretical data affirmed the complexity and inter connectivity between the problems in focus. The interacting tripartite problems have led to poor yield of crops and livestock, unemployment, migration, flood, increased IDPs, food insecurity, loss of farm assets, human lives, pollution and rising poverty, most of which reinforced each other. The policy responses by the Nigerian government were articulated. It is therefore recommended that the recently signed Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) by the present administration be fully implemented; constructive and diplomatic engagement between the government and leaders of insurgent groups needs to be consolidated; government should increase efforts in tackling the problems of desert encroachment and Lake Chad shrinking; the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on Ogoni land be fully implemented and applied in other areas of the Niger Delta region. Government and donor agencies should consider more realistic programmes that will support farmers and agribusinesses owners regarding supply of farm inputs and conducive environment for agribusinesses operation. Grazing lands should be established to settle the herdsmen.