ARABLE CROPS’ FARMERS COPING STRATEGIES TO CIVIL DISTURBANCES IN BAUCHI SOUTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT.

Abstract

Efforts made by Government and individuals to improve agriculture in Nigeria have been hampered by civil unrest in the country. In view of the above the study was carried out to assess the effects of civil unrest on crop production in Bauchi south senatorial district and the coping strategies employed by the farmers. The target population included all crop farmers who had been affected by incessant crises in the zone. A multistage sampling technique was adopted to elicit information from 84 respondents in the 3 selected Local Government Areas of Bauchi State. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data collated. The findings show that the major causes of conflict in the area were social injustice (81%), religious intolerance (70%), breach of agreement (69%) and poverty (58%). Migration of farmers from conflict areas (M = 2.57), loss of lives (M = 2.46) and inadequate food (M = 2.45) were perceived by the respondents as the major effects of conflict. Praying for peace (M = 2. 79), cultivation of crops near ones village (M = 2.54) and diversification of crops (M = 2.43) were employed by farmers as coping strategies. Therefore, government should come to the aid of those that were affected through the disbursement of micro-credit loans to farmers and other rural dwellers who lost all their farm produce to the conflict and to artisans such as vulcanizers, motor mechanics, orphans and widows so that they can be able to take care of themselves and their families to alleviate their suffering. Similarly, there is need to enhance peace and harmony in the country so as to create conducive environment for agriculture and other economic ventures.