A MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO CONFRONTING SECURITY AND FOOD CRISES IN NIGERIA: A COMMUNICATION FRAMEWORK FOR LEVERAGING ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN THE NORTH-EAST

Abstract

The interconnected security and food crises in Nigeria, especially in the conflict-affected North-East, present a complex challenge. This paper argues that a sustainable solution requires a communication-driven strategy that addresses the environmental root causes of instability. Focusing on the Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (BAY) states in the north-eastern part of Nigeria, this article develops a theoretical framework linking insecurity with environmental degradation and the failure of food systems. This framework is based on the Health Belief Model (HBM), the Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) Theory, and group theories of attitude change. The main goal is to promote functional, cultural, and critical environmental literacies that empower farming communities to reduce risks and build resilience. This approach recognizes that in an environment plagued by insurgency, banditry, and farmer-herder conflicts, environmental education is not a luxury but an essential tool for survival. The paper concludes with suggestions on how communication strategies can enhance food security and community-led solutions in the face of ongoing insecurity, providing a roadmap for practitioners and policymakers.