Food Security and Resource Management in Nigeria: A Comparative Study of Ikwo and Abi Local Government Areas

This study examines food security and resource management in Nigeria: A comparative study of Ikwo and Abi Local Government Areas. The specific objectives were to: (1) examine how land and natural resource disputes between Ikwo and Abi have contribute to recurring inter-communal conflicts; (2) analyze the extent to which these conflicts disrupt agricultural production and deepen food insecurity; and (3) explore sustainable approaches to resource management that can reduce conflict and strengthen food security. The study adopted Human Needs Theory, propounded by John Burton (1990), as the theoretical framework, emphasizing that unmet fundamental human needs such as security, identity, recognition, participation, and survival drive conflict. A descriptive survey design was employed, with a purposive sampling technique used to select a sample of 200 respondents, including farmers, traders, community leaders, and local government officials. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed with frequency tables, while hypotheses were tested using Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient through the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings reveal a perfect positive correlation between conflict-related factors land disputes, resource mismanagement, and displacement and food insecurity. This indicates that as conflict intensifies, food availability, access, and household economic stability decline proportionally. The study recommends establishing joint boundary and resource management committees, providing agricultural inputs and rehabilitation support, promoting cooperative and sustainable farming practices, and integrating resource management into local development policies. Addressing both material and human dimensions of the conflict is critical to enhancing peace, resilience, and food security in the affected communities