LAND TENURE INSECURITY AND AGRICULTURAL RECOVERY: EVIDENCE FROM DISPLACED FARMERS IN NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA.

North-central Nigeria is facing a challenging dilemma as displaced farmers struggle to recover agricultural productivity due to land tenure insecurity. This study examines the effect of land rights violation on agricultural output among displaced returnees in the region using descriptive statistics and ordinary least square regression analysis from a sample of 854 respondents. Drawing from the data collected across the selected states affected by farmers-herders conflict in North-central Nigeria, the study reveals that unclear ownership and lack of formal land titles affect returnees' decision to invest in farm land. The results of this study show that when land rights are violated due to conflict or land intrusion, the income and overall productivity of returnees drop. The study also reveals that assistance given as interventions during the period of displacement is found not to significantly affect production and return to economic activities among displaced returnees. Based on these findings, this study suggests strengthening property rights policy on land and resources, especially in rural communities so as to promote agricultural recovery and food security conflict-affected areas like North-central Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]