Nematode as a Potential Threat to Food Security in North East Nigeria and the Way Forward.

Abstract

The contribution of agriculture to the growth and development of a nation cannot be undervalued. However, the production of food crops in Nigeria is seriously threatened by ongoing conflicts between farmers and herders, banditry, kidnapping, Boko haram insurgency, inflation, climate change, and biotic factors, particularly in the northeastern part of the country.  Plant Parasitic Nematode (PPN), a soil microorganism is considered to be one of the most devastating factors threating agricultural production in the region. The impact of damage caused by PPN is estimated to be about at 8.8 – 14 % annually, which is responsible for crop losses estimated to be in excess of 173 billion USD worldwide. This figure will most likely increase if appropriate management and control measures are not taken. Therefore, it is expedient that farmers within the northeastern region of Nigeria take precautionary management measures before, during and sometime after each farming season in order to curtail the problem of damage cause by PPN.