THE POLITICS OF MAIZE PRODUCTION AND FOOD SECURITY IN TARABA STATE

Abstract

The study assessed the politics of Maize (Zea mays) Production and Food Security in Taraba State. Primary and secondary data were both used for this study. Using the political economy theory and descriptive qualitative research design, the study used structured interview and focus group discussion using purposive sampling techniques to gather data from the interviewees. The study found that
despite the role of federal government through programs such as the CBN’s Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP) and Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) the state government has performed decimally in supporting Maize farmers in Taraba State to ensure food security. Challenges such as Inadequate capital, use of poor maize seed variety
Insecurity in key maize production belts, and Climate change and the politics involved in the distribution of government subsidized input are what hampered the production of Maize in the State. The study therefore, recommends among other things that efforts should therefore be directed toward increasing production to meet domestic demand. Corruption involved in the distribution is dealt with. This would entail, among other things, subsidizing improved maize seed varieties for widespread adoption and developing alternative sources of maize production financing in addition to the CBN's intervention programs.