Revitalizing Agriculture in Conflict Zones: A Case Study on Machinery Restoration in Borno State

Abstract

Agricultural productivity in northeast Nigeria has been drastically affected by armed conflict and Borno State ranks among the worst-affected states. Lack of farmland, mislocation of agricultural populations and destruction or damages of farm equipment(farm machinery) were some of the major results seen after years of violence, which is very important machinery in the big agricultural system. The paper examines how the restoration of machinery can be used to give new life to agriculture in conflict-struck lands by studying Borno State. With the use of qualitative field interviews, secondary data, and policy reports the paper focuses on how public, private and international stakeholders have helped in rebuilding agricultural equipment, and enabling accessibility of mechanized tools by the farmers. Results indicate that selective machinery repair schemes, equipment sharing co-operates, and homegrown repair training have helped to make farms productive and communities stronger. Nonetheless, the issues of insecurity that have lingered on, lousy infrastructure, and retention of spare parts has impeded sustainable recovery. The research highlights why it is so necessary to embed machine restoration into the larger agricultural and post-conflict development plans. It provides policy consideration in expanding an intervention to assist in the process of mechanization, livelihood recovery, and long-term food security in weak environments.