Above-average agricultural production in the Far-North and loss of income sources in the anglophone regions

Despite sporadic attacks by Boko Haram in the districts boarding Nigeria, the general lull in conflict in the Far-North region has favored the return of the displaced population and an increase of about 10 percent in area planted compared to last year, according to the Regional Delegation of Agriculture. In addition, the good rainfall allowed household production to be above the five-year average.

Host and IDP households in the Far-North are no longer dependent on markets with the above-average harvest and restocking of staple foods. As a result, staple food prices are more than 20 percent below the five-year average for corn, cowpeas, and rainfed sorghum. The market supply for livestock and small ruminants has decreased as households are relying less on livestock and small ruminants for income. Goat and sheep prices increased by 10 percent in October compared to September.

In the English-speaking regions (Northwest and Southwest) and the surrounding areas, the security situation remains a matter of concern with conflict, kidnappings and murders, roadblocks, and checkpoints. For the second consecutive season, farms have been abandoned in some areas or are not adequately maintained. This has negatively affected household production of major crops and commercial products such as cocoa and coffee.

Internally displaced people (IDPs) in the English-speaking areas live in the forest or in urban areas hosted by family members or renting shelters. In cities, food prices have increased due to conflict and increased demand for rice in Nigeria. As a result, the loss of income related to the abandonment of farms and the lack of opportunity to work with a slow economy leads IDPs and host families to adopt negative coping strategies, such as reducing the number of meals consumed daily.