COMMUNITY-DRIVEN STRATEGIES FOR ADDRESSING FARM THEFT, CROP DESTRUCTION, AND RELATED CRIMES IN AGRICULTURAL COMMUNITIES IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA

Abstract

Agricultural insecurity is a major problem in Nigeria's rural communities, as it negatively impacts on agriculture, the economy and food security, thereby causing disruptions in agricultural activities, lowering agricultural productivity and thus reducing the livelihoods of the people in the rural areas. The problem of farm theft, crop destruction and crime have been on the rise in the Southwest and has had a devastating impact on the lives of farmers and the peaceful coexistence of the region. This paper examines community responses in relation to the strategies that can be deployed on the ground in response to rural agricultural insecurity. Using qualitative research design, Key informant interviews (KIIs) were conducted with five stakeholders, while one in-depth interview was administered to the conventional security personnel per community to gather detailed insights on existing and community-driven strategies. The data collected for the study were thematically analysed. The study revealed that theft and crop destruction are greatly endemic, devastating, and has negatively affected the psychic of most vulnerable farmers. The study showed that current crime prevention strategies in these areas naturally rely on conventional law enforcement methods that are limited in scope and efficiency. The study recommends that there is a need to develop a formalized structure involving NSCDC, Police, OPC, vigilantes, and traditional authorities for rural surveillance, intelligence-sharing, and joint patrol operations. The study further recommends that every rural area, ward or village should set up inclusive security committees with representation from farmers, women, youth, traditional leaders, and local security outfits, meeting monthly to assess threats and coordinate responses.