ISSN 2360-7971
Abstract
This study examined the effect of rural banditry on agricultural productivity and food security among farming households in Southern Taraba, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 120 respondents, and data were collected using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, multiple regression, and chi-square analyses were used to analyse the data. The socioeconomic results indicated that respondents were predominantly male (65.0%) and married (75.8%), with a mean age of 45.80 years, mean household size of 8.37 persons, mean farming experience of 14.58 years, mean farm size of 2.67 ha, and mean annual farm income of ₦518,333.33. Farming was the major occupation of 68.3% of respondents, while maize was the most widely cultivated crop (26.7%). Furthermore, 57.5% belonged to farmers' associations, and 71.7% had access to extension services, whereas only 39.2% had access to agricultural credit. Regression analysis indicated that the linear functional form provided the best fit, with R = 0.945, R² = 0.893, adjusted R² = 0.885, and F = 115.89 (p < 0.01), explaining 89.3% of the variation in agricultural productivity. Rural banditry had a negative and statistically significant effect on agricultural productivity (B = −7,278.78; p < 0.05). Regarding food security, 25.8% of households were food secure, 27.5% mildly food insecure, 27.5% moderately food insecure, and 19.2% severely food insecure. Food security declined with increasing exposure to banditry: food-secure households decreased from 45.0% among those with low exposure to 10.0% among those with high exposure, while severe food insecurity increased from 7.5% to 35.0%. The relationship between banditry exposure and household food-security status was statistically significant (χ² = 18.64, df = 6, p = 0.005), with a moderate association (Cramer's V = 0.279). The study concludes that rural banditry constitutes a significant constraint to agricultural productivity and household food security in Southern Taraba. It recommends strengthened rural security, improved access to agricultural credit and inputs, enhanced extension services, and targeted food security and livelihood interventions for highly exposed households.
Keywords: Rural banditry, agricultural productivity, food security, farming households, Southern Taraba, Nigeria.