The Effects of Insecurity on Rural Livelihoods in Kabba-Bunu LGA, Kogi State- Nigeria

Insecurity has become one of the most pressing challenges undermining rural development in Nigeria, threatening not only the safety of lives and property but also the sustainability of livelihoods that depend largely on agriculture and petty trading. This study examined The Effects of Insecurity on Rural Livelihoods in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, Kogi State with the aim of analysing its impact on agricultural productivity and food security, assessing the socio-economic consequences on rural households, and identifying coping strategies and community-based interventions adopted by residents. The study was anchored on Frustration–Aggression Theory and Relative Deprivation Theory, which explain how socio-economic frustrations and perceived inequalities fuel violence and deepen rural insecurity. Employing a descriptive survey design within a mixed-methods framework, the study covered a population of 108,049 residents, with a sample size of 200 respondents determined using Yamane’s formula. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to ensure fair representation across communities, and data were collected through structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative responses were content analysed. The findings revealed that insecurity has significantly reduced access to farmland, discouraged cultivation, increased the prices of farm inputs, and disrupted agricultural trade, thereby aggravating food insecurity. It also displaced families, led to the loss of income, restricted access to education and healthcare, and heightened fear that weakened socio-economic p Although residents have adopted coping strategies such as community policing, income diversification, and collaboration with NGOs, these remain insufficient without sustained external support. The study concluded that insecurity poses a direct threat to rural survival and undermines human development in Kabba-Bunu. It recommended strengthening the security of farmlands and rural roads, investing in social services and infrastructure, and supporting community-based initiatives as critical steps towards restoring stability, rebuilding livelihoods, and enhancing resilience in the area.