IMPACT OF BANDITRY ON THE LIVELIHOOD OF RESIDENTS IN SHIRORO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA
Keywords:
Agricultural productivity, Banditry, Food security, Income generation, Coping Mechanism, LivelihoodAbstract
Banditry has emerged as a significant security challenge in Nigeria, particularly in the North West region, threatening democratic governance and peaceful coexistence. This study examines the impact of banditry on livelihoods in Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State, with a focus on food security, economic activities, and coping strategies adopted by residents. The study is anchored on the Queer Ladder Theory, Frustration-Aggression Theory, and Relative Deprivation Theory, which provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the motivations behind armed banditry. A descriptive survey design was used, with 241 questionnaires retrieved from Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Kuta. The results show that banditry has had a devastating impact on livelihoods, with 50.2% of respondents strongly agreeing that armed conflict has hindered community development and progress, and 51.0% strongly agreeing that it has limited economic opportunities and livelihood prospects. The study identifies coping strategies adopted by residents, including selling assets, borrowing money, and reducing family consumption. The study recommends that the government prioritize the deployment of security personnel, support affected households, and implement policies to enhance food security and economic empowerment.
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