Subsistence Farming in Northern Nigeria: Insecurity, Survival, and the Struggle for Resilience

This paper examines the complex world of subsistence farming in Northern Nigeria, often shrouded in insecurity, employing participant observation as the primary research method. Conducted in vulnerable communities in Zamfara, Katsina, and Sokoto States, the study highlights how increasing violence by armed bandits has devastated livelihoods in rural areas, caused displacement, and led to food insecurity. Personal experience of engaging closely with farming households reveals how the community heavily depends on land passed down through generations, along with daily farming tasks and cultural practices that are now under threat. Thematic findings of the study indicate a decline in the agricultural system, displacement, malnutrition, social breakdown, and trauma symptoms among villagers, particularly women and children. Despite lacking formal protection or support, many communities demonstrate commendable resilience by sharing resources, maintaining spiritual faith, and refusing to abandon their homes. The findings highlight a humanitarian and development crisis that has overcome the issue of insecurity and a problem crossing family and national boundaries that affects health, education, the economy, and dignity. The paper calls for government intervention to promptly restore safety in rural areas, support displaced farmers, re-establish education, and strengthen local structures. Without such intervention, these communities risk perpetual socio-economic failure.