Effect of Insecurity on Livelihood of Rural Farmers in Donga Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria

This study assessed the impact of insecurity on the livelihoods of rural farmers in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State, Nigeria. The research focused on three primary objectives: evaluating the socio-economic profiles of respondents, identifying the consequences of insecurity on household livelihoods, and examining the broader effects of insecurity in the area. The study adopted a random sampling method to gather data across different communities, resulting in 97 valid responses. Findings revealed that a majority (61.85%) of the respondents had households comprising 4–9 members, followed by 22.68% with 10–12 members, and 15.46% with 1–3 members. The average household size was seven, indicating a high proportion of married individuals. Key effects of insecurity included increased rural poverty (68.04%), land dispossession (65.98%), crop destruction (64.95%), social injustices (62.89%), income decline (60.82%), fatalities (55.67%), loss of life (54.64%), and household displacement (46.39%). These outcomes contribute to food shortages, rising food prices, and disruptions in livelihood systems. Socioeconomic variables influencing insecurity indicators accounted for 89.1% of the variability in outcomes (R² = 89.1%). The study recommends the implementation of appropriate land tenure systems and government-led security initiatives, particularly at communal borders, to mitigate conflicts. Provision of designated grazing areas is also advised to prevent clashes between herders and farmers and enhance food production.