More than anything, northern Nigeria is known for its vast agriculture tradition with their market tentacles reaching as far as western coast of Lagos, thousands kilometers away.
With a very dry, semi desert plains, coupled with annual rain fall that is less than 500mm[20in] per year [raining season last for three month in some areas] compare to other regions where raining season start in April or May and runs through September or October with rain fall of more than 400mm [60in], ingenuity in farm technique, though a great stress, has been a key that sustain the region’s agricultural dominance.
However, the emergence of bombing on civilians by Boko Haram is threatening the industry and endangering many with hunger.
Residences of the vast northern areas are fleeing trouble zones, leaving behind their main source of livelihood and a livewire to million others –Agriculture.
Fleeing for their lives, farmers are abandoning their farms for the safety of the south, a situation which is now affecting the groceries market negatively.
This development is already upseting the already volatile economy crisis in the country because most foods stuffs consumes in the country; especially in the south, are produce in the north.
According to National Emergency Management Authority [NEMA], a large percentage of northern farmers abandon their farms for safety in the south.
The United Nation, in February, also expressed fear that the current development would make it difficult for the World Food Program to source it's supply from Nigeria to affected areas in the Sahel region.
Already, tomatoes, which is a major ingredient in food now goes for 4-pieces at 100 naira from it's previous 6-piece at half price.
The Nigeria government recently acknowledges the challenge posed by the crisis to agriculture when the Special Adviser to the Minister of Agriculture, Dr Olukayode Oyeleye, said terrorism remained a challenge to agriculture despite effort made to revive it.
‘Farmers will run from the farm if their lives are threatened by terrorist but it is behind the ministry to provide security. It is the job of the security agencies. Farming cannot take place where there is insecurity. NEMA confirmed that famine in Nigerian is now a possibility following massive displacement of small and large scale farmers from the North east region of the country as a result Boko Haram.
Agriculture, including farming and herding, account for 23 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP and engages 3 percent of the economically active population.

Written by:
Abiodun Odedeyi