Insecurity threatens Kogi’s cashew boom as farmers face hard times
By Faridat Salifu
Cashew farming has been a cornerstone of economic prosperity in Kogi State, providing steady income for thousands of rural farmers and thier families.
Farmers in Ankpa, for instance, rely on cashew nuts as a vital source of revenue, and the crop also fuels livelihoods in Yagba West.
For generations, cashew nuts have provided families with a dependable income, especially during the harvest season when produce is sold to local and international traders. Farmers export cashew nuts, generating millions of naira that fuel local businesses, pay for school fees, and support small enterprises.
NatureNews reports that agricultural success, however, now stands on shaky ground as insecurity and poor road infrastructure threaten the routes farmers depend on.
The road from Akunu in Ojokwu, which leads down toward Al-Bayan University and exits through Area 1 in Ankpa, has deteriorated over time due to both erosion and the constant passage of heavy coal and cement trucks, leaving deep potholes and uneven surfaces.
The situation is worsened by dense cashew plantations lining the roadside. These plantations, combined with the deteriorating road, have become a cover for kidnappers and armed robbers, forcing many residents to abandon the route entirely.
Our correspondent spent over 35 minutes navigating the road and noted it is almost deserted, with a shady and risky atmosphere that deters travelers. Residents said they now avoid the road altogether, opting for longer, safer routes to protect themselves from potential attacks.
Experts from the Nigerian Institute of Agricultural Research emphasize that cashew trees should be planted at least 7.5 to 10 meters away from roads to safeguard travelers—a guideline often ignored in Kogi State. Many trees grow right along the roadside, providing hiding spots for criminals.
In Yagba West and Yagba East Local Government Areas, at least three kidnappings targeting farmers and produce buyers have been reported in secluded farm areas recently. Security sources confirm that attackers exploit the isolation along rural roads, heightening fear among communities dependent on cashew farming.
Community leaders have urged residents to avoid visiting farms alone, remain vigilant, and report any suspicious movement to local security formations immediately.
The economic stakes are high, as cashew production supports tens of thousands of families across Kogi, providing employment, income for women and youth, and sustaining local markets. Experts warn that without intervention, the combination of poor roads, insecurity, and unsafe land use could reduce cashew output and threaten the broader agricultural economy.
Stakeholders recommend a multi-pronged approach: repairing roads, relocating roadside cashew plantations, increasing visible security patrols, and installing community-led early warning systems along vulnerable routes. Authorities are being urged to collaborate with farmers, transport unions, and local vigilante groups to ensure these lifeline roads remain safe day and night.
Residents say immediate action is needed to prevent further kidnappings, protect livelihoods, and preserve Kogi State’s reputation as a leading cashew-producing region in Nigeria.
