Abstract

The study investigated the effect of insurgency on prices of agricultural produce in selected markets in Ibadan metropolis, Oyo state, Nigeria. Structured interview schedule was used to collect data on respondents? socioeconomic characteristics, perceived effect of insurgence activities on changes in prices, non-insurgency factors associated with changes in prices of agricultural produce and changes in prices of common agricultural produce from ninety six respondents using snow ball and simple random sampling techniques. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that majority (58.4%) of the respondents were between the age range of 31?50 years; male (59.4%) and Muslims (70.8%). A large proportion (40.6%) had First School Leaving Certificate as their highest education qualification and had 11?20 years of marketing experience (50.0%). Most (76.0%) patronized markets in northern states and the patronages were mostly done fortnightly (66.7%). Beans topped the list of the most transacted agricultural crop produce with an average of 49.5 bags per trip. Majority of the respondents (99.0%) agreed that increased transportation cost was among the non-insurgency factors associated with non-availability and increased price of agricultural produce. There was a striking observable difference (t = -10.824; p < 0.05) in the prices of agricultural produce between 2012 and 2014; relationship between non-insurgency factors and change in price of agricultural produce was not significant (r= 0.029; p > 0.05). Based on the findings, it was concluded that significant increase in the price of the five agricultural produce considered for the study over the period of 2012 and 2014 was occasioned by Boko Haram insurgency. It was therefore recommended that in order to stop this trend, government at all levels and other stakeholders should ensure that all hands are on deck towards ending Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria.

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