EFFECT OF ARMED CONFLICT ON SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA
Agbaingya, John Agbaingya , Salihu H. Muhammad-Gani, PhD and Osekweyi J. Odonye, PhD
Volume 12 Issue 3
Abstract
This study investigates the effect of armed conflict on socioeconomic development in Benue State, Nigeria, with specific focus on farmer/herder conflict and banditry. Using a cross-sectional survey design, primary data were collected from 299 respondents across conflict-prone local government areas in the state. The study employed descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis to determine the relationship between insecurity and development outcomes. Findings reveal that both farmer/herder conflict and banditry significantly and negatively affect socioeconomic development, reducing agricultural productivity, discouraging investment, damaging social cohesion, and increasing displacement. Logistic regression results showed that farmer/herder conflict reduces development outcomes by 64.8%, while banditry reduces it by 45.6%. It recommends strengthened security infrastructure, prompt prosecution of offenders, victim compensation programs, and community-based peace building as critical pathways to development restoration. Keywords: Armed Conflict, Socioeconomic Development, Farmer-herder Conflict, Banditry, Logistic Regression, Insecurity
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