EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF COMMUNAL CRISES AND THE ACHIEVEMENT OF FOOD SECURITY IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF THE TIV-JUKUN CRISES IN TARABA STATE

Abstract

Nigeria’s quest for achieving food security is under threat by incessant communal crises. Among several violent crises, the frequent Tiv-Jukuncrises in a widely acclaimed foremost agricultural producing area constitute a threat to the integrated Agricultural Transformation Action Plan, (IATAP) for achieving food, and cash crops security in Nigeria. Descriptive and exploratory designs were used, relying on both quantitative and qualitative evidences for examining; these crises, strategies for managing it, and its implications on food security. This study is critical for national orientation, the achievement of national integration and cohesion among the people, and for peaceful agriculture. Reviews and analytical techniques revealed that the crises centered on socio-economic and political factors. Governments’ strategies for handling communal crises were devoid of both preventive, and effective management, as approximately 10% annual slack in food supplies due to the crises could significantly be accountable for Nigeria’s inability to achieve food security. The constitution, national integration and food programmes reviews are imperative.