THE EFFECT OF BANDIT ON FOOD PRODUCTION IN NIGERIA (A CASE STUDY KANKARA LGA KATSINA STATE

This study examined the effect of banditry on food production in Nigeria, with a specific focus on Kankara Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State. Banditry and kidnapping have become pervasive security challenges in the region, severely disrupting agricultural activities and livelihoods. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, using both quantitative and qualitative methods to gather data. A total of 150 respondents were selected through purposive and simple random sampling techniques, out of which 142 completed questionnaires were retrieved, alongside in-depth interviews with key informants, including traditional leaders and local farmers. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency counts and percentages. Findings revealed that the majority of respondents were male (80.2%), predominantly Hausa and Fulani, mostly married, with farming as their primary occupation, reflecting the agrarian nature of the community. The study identified economic disparities, poverty, unemployment, and inadequate law enforcement as major factors contributing to the prevalence of banditry and kidnapping in Kankara LGA. The effects of these criminal activities on agriculture were profound: respondents reported loss of lives, destruction of farm produce, abandonment of farms due to fear of attack, increased food prices, and reduced overall agricultural productivity, which collectively threaten food security in the area. Furthermore, while some efforts by government, security agencies, vigilante groups, and NGOs were acknowledged, the majority of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the effectiveness of these interventions. The study recommended that the promotion of community policing, creation of economic opportunities, youth empowerment, improved security infrastructure, and stricter enforcement against perpetrators to mitigate the adverse effects of banditry on food production. Keywords: Banditry, Kidnapping, Food Production, Agricultural Activities, Food Security, Kankara LGA.