ASSESSMENT OF BANDITRY AS A THREAT TO FOOD SECURITY IN GIWA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

The study is on the Assessment of Banditry as a Threat to Food Security in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Covering five sections, including the introductory part that features brief background, statement of the problem and research question. The second section focuses on the conceptual and empirical review of related literature on banditry and food security which paves the way to identifying the gap that prompted this study, also featured are the theoretical frameworks upon which the study underpins- Rational Choice and Structural-Functional. The third section dwells on the methodology of the study vis-à-vis the research philosophy, design, target population, sampling procedure, and instrumentation. This study adopts an interpretative research philosophy by gathering qualitative data using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with various key stakeholders. Furthermore, the fourth section delves on the expected results and outcomes based on the responses gathered from the respondents on the effects of banditry on food security in the study area. Finally, the fifth section finds among others that: banditry has had devastating effects on agricultural production and food security in Giwa LGA. Continuous attacks have displaced farmers from their lands, reducing food production and increasing food scarcity. Many farmers are reluctant to cultivate their fields due to fears of violence, leading to economic instability and rising food prices. It recommends among others that: the enhancement of Conflict Resolution Mechanisms through Traditional leaders, community stakeholders, and government agencies working together to resolve disputes between farmers and herders through clear land-use policies, designated grazing reserves, and mediation programs to prevent violent clashes.