Abstract
Rural security is a critical factor in agricultural productivity, particularly in South
East Nigeria, where farming is a significant source of livelihood. This study examined
the relationship between rural security and agricultural productivity in the region.
Documentary method and content analysis were employed as methods of data
collection and method of data analysis, respectively, while case study research design
was used for an in-depth examination of rural communities to understand the security
challenges and responses in South East Nigeria. The study utilised rational choice
theory in explaining the subject matter. The major finding includes that insecurity in
the South-East region has severely disrupted agricultural activities and community
life, which has led to a sharp decline in agricultural productivity, reduced food
availability, higher prices, and worsening food insecurity across the region. Therefore
the study concluded that the escalation of insecurity is the central factor undermining
agricultural production and food security in South-East Nigeria. Our main
recommendation is that the Nigerian government should not only strengthen
community-based security systems and improve coordination between local vigilante
groups and formal law enforcement agencies to enhance trust, intelligence sharing,
and protection of rural communities but also reinvest in the agricultural sector through
targeted funding, provision of modern farming tools, capacity-building programs for
farmers, and rehabilitation of rural infrastructure to boost productivity and food
availability.