EFFECT OF RURAL BANDITRY ON FOOD SECURITY IN KONTAGORA LOCAL GOVERNMENT, NIGERIA FROM 2015 - 2022

Abstract

This paper examined the effect of rural banditry on food security in Kontagora local government in Niger State. The rural banditry which is in form (or acts) of robbery and violence on the people particularly rural dwellers who mainly engage in agricultural production, processing and marketing have led to shocks. The paper used Primary and secondary sources of data. The paper employed descriptive statics and chi-square analytical technique. The study was anchored on the routine theory activity, which is made up of motivated offender, an attractive target, and the absence of capable guardianship. In terms of methodology, the paper relies on both primary and secondary sources of data generated. The objective of this paper is to examined the effect of rural banditry on food security in Kontagora local government, Nigeria from 2015 – 2022 The findings revealed that rural armed banditry has negatively affected agricultural activities in the study area, and leads to farms to be abandoned and people pay ransom to bandits before they harvest their crops. The paper establishes that, that there is a significant relationship between armed banditry and food insecurity in Kontagora local government area of Niger State. The study recommends that government should introduce the policy of community policing. This can be done through community mobilization by engaging community
leaders, members and citizens. This can ensure safety of lives, crops and property. There is also, the need to have the Political will of the Government to involve those that are in the act of rural banditry be engaged in the development process through political and social reform policies.