Effects of Cattle Rustling on Agro-Pastoralists in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, Kebbi State, Nigeria

Abstract

The general objective of this study was to assess the effects of cattle rustling on agro-pastoralists in Danko-Wasagu LGA, Kebbi State. The study also aims to investigate the losses incurred before and after cattle rustling, and identify intervention mechanisms adopted to address cattle rustling in the study area. The study utilized a multi-stage sampling technique. A sample size of 183 respondents was proportionately drawn from a sampling frame of 3,650 agro-pastoralists. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) to summarize responses and a paired t-test to compare losses before and after cattle rustling attacks. Results indicated that a majority of respondents (95.1%) were engaged in livestock production as their primary occupation. A large proportion of respondents (92.3%) reported that seasonal movement in search of water and pasture was the main factor associated with cattle rustling. Most of the respondents also reported loss of lives (83.1%) and cattle (95.6%) as the greater effect of cattle raiding in their communities. The t-test revealed a significant difference was recorded by the agro-pastoralist before and after cattle rustling. This study recommends that stakeholders establish appropriate reforms on grazing reserves in relation to access to pasture and water. The government should adequately facilitate the security personnel with sufficient equipment, training, and the use of technological advances to boost their capacity to curb cattle rustling.