In recent years, the North-West region of Nigeria has faced a daunting challenge: farmers are forced to pay hefty sums, often reaching up to N100,000, to bandits for permission to access their own farmlands during planting and harvest seasons. This alarming trend, highlighted in the report titled ‘Levies or Lives – The Dilemma Of Farmers In Northern Nigeria’ by SBM Intelligence, sheds light on the dire situation faced by farmers in states like Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, and parts of Jigawa.

According to the report, the cumulative amount paid by farmers to bandits as levies over a span of four years (2020-2023) totaled a staggering N139.5 million. This extortionate practice has not only disrupted livelihoods but also essential service distribution across the region, amplifying the already existing challenges of poverty and food insecurity.

Farmers in affected areas find themselves in an untenable position, compelled to comply with the demands of armed groups to secure access to their own lands. The report reveals that residents often pay exorbitant sums ranging from ₦70,000 to ₦100,000 to bandits for the mere privilege of farming on their own properties. Additionally, these payments do not end with planting; farmers are further coerced into making additional payments for harvesting.

Moreover, the situation extends beyond monetary extortion. Bandits, emboldened by their control over agricultural lands, sometimes go as far as confiscating farmers’ properties, forcibly co-opting villagers to cultivate the lands, and even claiming a percentage of the harvest. This not only exacerbates the financial burden on farmers but also undermines their autonomy and livelihood security.

The repercussions of such practices are far-reaching. Beyond the immediate economic strain on individual farmers, the broader agricultural sector suffers, leading to decreased productivity, disrupted food supply chains, and ultimately exacerbating food insecurity in the region. Moreover, the coercive control exerted by bandits over agricultural activities further entrenches instability and perpetuates cycles of violence, impeding efforts for peace and development.

Addressing this complex challenge requires a multifaceted approach that combines security measures with efforts to empower local communities and support sustainable livelihoods. Strengthening security operations to combat banditry and ensure the safety of farmers is paramount. However, sustainable solutions must also address the underlying socio-economic factors that fuel insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to education and basic services.

Furthermore, initiatives aimed at promoting alternative livelihoods, enhancing agricultural productivity, and fostering community resilience are essential. By investing in agricultural development programs, providing support for smallholder farmers, and facilitating access to markets and financial services, governments and stakeholders can help mitigate the impact of banditry on the agricultural