The Implications of Cattle Rustling to Human and Food Security in the Rural Communities of Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

Cattle rustling is a challenge to security and rural economy in Kaduna State. The objectives of the study are: to investigate the effects of cattle rustling on the security and economy of the rural communities in Kaduna State. Securitisation theory was used to proffer lasting solution to the problem. Qualitative method (In-depth interview) was used for data collection. Chikun local government was purposively selected because of the prevalence of cattle rustling. Six rural communities (Kuriga, Burku, Udawa, Gwagwalada, Kakura and Kujama) were also purposively selected. Eight informants from the police, security adviser to the state governor, community leaders, and herdsmen who are victims were interviewed. The findings revealed that because of cattle rustling marketers do not go to the market and farmers are also scared of going to farm. Again, many people lost their lives as a result of the menace in the study area.  Furthermore, the preventive approaches were found to be ineffective.  Hence, the study recommends that the state government should make cattle rustling a security challenge and collaborate with community members to end the menace.