Giddianhi’s problem becomes fully apparent in verse 6. Fertile land was available, but farming would have required the army to break up into smaller units, making them vulnerable to Nephite raids. Furthermore, why should they do it far from their own women and children, whose labor would have been essential in supporting a farming lifestyle. And finally, even if they were successful in raising food, an entire growing season must pass before it was ready to eat.
Giddianhi’s solution was to attack immediately. If it succeeded, he would have the food stored in the Nephite stronghold.