Impact Boko Haram Insurgency on Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Agricultural Practices of Small-Scale Farmers in Jere Local Government Area, Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the Impact of Boko Haram Insurgency on Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Agricultural Practices of Small-Scale Farmers in Jere Local Government Area, Borno State, Nigeria.  Survey research design was used in this study. The objectives of the study were to examine; the socio-demographic characteristics of small scale farmers and the types of agricultural activities engaged in by small scale farmers in Jere local government area. The target population for the study were all the small scale farmers in Jere local government of Borno State. The populations sample was 150 respondents selected using rule of thumb by Nwana, (1981). The instrument for data collection was questionnaires. Interviews were also conducted using questions that were complementary to the questionnaire to strengthen arguments and issues raised. Data collected were analysed using Descriptive statistics of frequencies, percentage and graph. Findings from this study shows that, the small-scale farming population in Jere Local Government Area are predominantly middle-aged, male, and primarily educated through Qur'anic/Islamic schooling, with most farmers having 1-10 years of farming experience. It also shows that, the insurgency has led to a notable reduction in the practice of highly diversified mixed farming (crop/livestock/vegetable), with farmers likely shifting towards simpler, less resource-demanding combinations. Based on the findings from this study, the following recommendations were made; government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) should implement agricultural extension programs that are culturally sensitive and tailored to the educational background of these farmers. Government, NGOs and other agencies should also provide targeted support for farmers to rebuild and diversify their farming activities.