Impact of Banditry on Rural Development in Kaduna State (2016-2021)

Abstract

Banditry remains a severe challenge to the security and development of local communities in Kaduna State and Nigeria. Reports recorded show frequent attacks, kidnapping, carnage and destruction of lives and properties. Weekly markets and agricultural activities have been negatively impacted. This study seeks to assess the impact of banditry on rural development in Kaduna state. Specifically, the study examines the factors responsible for banditry in Kaduna state and determines the perceived effects on the rural economy. The study employed a mixed-method approach. Hence, primary data were sourced from questionnaires, while secondary data were from journal publications, periodic reports, and newspapers. Simple percentage tables and Linear regression was used in analysing responses generated from the primary source. Content analysis was used in analysing secondary sources. The study revealed that banditry significantly impacts rural development in Kaduna State. The study, therefore, recommends that there is a need to tackle the ongoing banditry and kidnapping activities in Kaduna State. Also, the rural economy has been significantly impacted due to the suspension of weekly markets and attacks on farmers. There is a need to provide better security for farmers and the local communities. Basic social amenities and unemployment should be tackled holistically. Banditry is becoming a severe problem in Nigeria due to massive unemployment, weak security, poverty, and the porousness of the country's borders.

Keywords: Banditry, Rural Economy, Rural Development.