Author(s) :

ALHERI Kure.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

This study examined the socio-economic consequences of banditry on rural livelihoods in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, with particular focus on its impact on agriculture, education, and trade. The study was carried out due to the increasing rate of insecurity, violent attacks, kidnappings, cattle rustling, displacement, and destruction of property associated with banditry in rural communities across Northwestern Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to examine the impact of banditry on agricultural activities, assess its effects on educational activities, evaluate its influence on trade and commercial activities, identify the socio-economic challenges faced by rural households, and examine government and community responses toward addressing banditry in the study area. The study adopted a qualitative research approach and relied mainly on secondary sources of data, including scholarly journal articles, textbooks, government publications, security reports, and reports from humanitarian organizations. Human Security Theory served as the theoretical framework for the study. Data were analyzed using thematic and descriptive analytical methods. Findings revealed that banditry has significantly disrupted farming activities, reduced food production, weakened trade and market operations, and contributed to school closures and declining educational participation in Kajuru Local Government Area. The study also found that rural households face poverty, displacement, unemployment, food insecurity, and psychological trauma as a result of persistent insecurity. Although government security operations and community-based interventions have been introduced, insecurity continues to persist due to inadequate security structures and underlying socio-economic challenges. The study recommends stronger security measures, rural economic support programmes, educational protection strategies, community-based security collaboration, and rehabilitation support for victims of banditry. Keywords: Banditry, Rural Livelihoods, Agriculture, Education, Trade, Insecurity, Kajuru, Socio-Economic Consequences.

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