By Paul Chimodo
The agricultural sector in Rivers State is facing a severe crisis, with insecurity and conflicts between farmers and herders hindering progress and affecting food security. The situation has been exacerbated by disputes over land usage, land encroachment, cultism, and kidnapping, leading to the destruction of farmlands, crops, and livestock.
The conflict between farmers and herders has been ongoing for some time, but it has taken a new turn with the involvement of cult groups and kidnapping gangs. This has led to a significant decline in farming activities, causing economic losses for farmers.
In an interview with our correspondent, the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) Manager, Rivers State Chapter, Vitalis Chinda-Gbule, expressed concern about the security situation in the agro sector. He stated that the current security challenges are critical and that nothing is being done to give farmers more protection.
“We can’t achieve food security if farmers are not safe,” he said. “The declaration of a state of emergency on food security by President Bola Tinubu will not achieve the desired result if the security challenges are not addressed.”
Chinda-Gbule also emphasized that the security challenges are not limited to Etche Local Government Area but are a general issue affecting two-thirds of the state.
The ADP manager also revealed that the morale and manpower at the agro sector are currently at an all-time low due to security challenges.
Farmers who have suffered the brunt of the herders-farmers conflict have complained that they can no longer go to their farms due to the atrocities of the herders. One farmer, Godwin Amadi, said that his farmland at Afara and Odagwa in Etche has been destroyed by herders who operate freely on his land with impunity.
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Rivers State Branch Leader, Muhammad Abubakar, condemned the attacks on farmers and maintained that not all herders are Fulani. He expressed his readiness to work with local government chairmen or agencies to bring an end to the conflicts.
However, Abubakar also revealed that some community chiefs have allowed herders to operate on farmlands without fear of reprisal.
The President of Etche Farmers Cooperative Union, Godwin Akandu, noted that conflicts from land disputes have also affected farming activities in IPO and Umuabali in Obibi community.
The ADP manager called on security operatives to step up their game and increase their presence in red zones to boost farmers’ morale and food production.
The Rivers State Ministry of Agric has also intensified its engagement with the authorities of Miyetti Allah to curb the incessant clash of herders and farmers.
The insecurity in the agro sector in Rivers State is a major challenge that must be addressed to achieve food security. The conflict between farmers and herders is a symptom of a larger issue that requires a comprehensive solution. The government and stakeholders must work together to address the root causes of the conflict and provide a conducive environment for farmers to produce food.