Coping Strategies and Livelihood Sustainability of Rural Farm Households in Banditry-Affected Communities of North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Banditry has emerged as a major threat to rural livelihoods in North Central Nigeria, disrupting agricultural production, displacing farming populations, and eroding household assets. However, limited empirical evidence exists on the nature and effectiveness of coping strategies adopted by affected households. This study examines coping strategies and livelihood status among 399 rural farm households (194 affected, 205 non-affected) selected through multistage sampling techniques. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered via Kobo Toolbox, pre-tested with a reliability coefficient of 0.82. The Coping Strategy Index (CSI) and Simpson Livelihood Index were employed for analysis. Most common coping strategies included reduction in meal frequency (CSI=28.4), consumption of less preferred foods (CSI=24.6), borrowing food/money (CSI=19.8), selling productive assets (CSI=16.2), livelihood diversification (CSI=14.5), and temporary migration (CSI=12.3). The Simpson Livelihood Index revealed that 62.4% of affected households had low livelihood status compared to 31.7% of non-affected households, while only 15.5% of affected households had high livelihood status versus 38.5% of non-affected households. Financial and physical capitals were the most severely affected asset dimensions. Banditry significantly destabilized livelihood sustainability, forcing households into coping strategies that erode long term resilience. The study recommends establishing farmer centred early warning and telephone alert systems, expanding access to agricultural credit and extension services, and strengthening community based coping mechanisms through cooperative support and livelihood restoration programmes to protect assets and build household resilience.