ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF INSECURITY ON RURAL MARKETS IN KACHIA LOCAL GOVERNMENT, KADUNA STATE

Abstract

Nigeria’s security is facing torrent of threats from terrorism, banditry, farmer-header crisis, targetted killings, secessionist activities and piracy on the high sea. Kaduna State, like most states in the north, have increasingly become epicenter of threats, especially bandit related activities like kidnapping, cattle rustling and raids. In places like Kachia Local Government Area (LGA), these threats have assumed destructive dimension as rural economy, especially agricultural activities, small and medium enterprise, and market structures have been significantly affected. This study assesses the impact of banditry on rural markets in Kachia LGA, focusing on how it affects market activities. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select five wards from the LGA, with 210 questionnaires distributed to local traders, farmers, and market participants. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics to determine the relationship between banditry and market performance. The study rejects the null hypotheses (H₀) and accepts the alternative hypotheses (H₁) with the following p-values for hypotheses 1 and 2, respectively: (p = 0.002, p = 0.005). These hypotheses state that there is a significant relationship between banditry and market disruption in Kachia LGA. The findings reveal that insecurity has led to decreased market transactions, higher prices, reduced availability of goods, and limited access to food. In conclusion, the study recommends that the government prioritize improving security in rural areas, particularly around rural markets, and implement policies to support market resilience. It also suggests that local authorities provide stronger security frameworks and encourage community cooperation to mitigate the impacts of insecurity on rural economies in Kachia LGA.