ABSTRACT:

This study assessed the effects of Armed Banditry on maize production among rural women in Niger State. The study described the socio-economic characteristics of rural women maize farmers, examined the effects of armed banditry on their production activities, and identified the coping strategies adopted in Niger State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to rural women maize farmers, while secondary data were obtained from relevant publications. Descriptive statistics and Pair-Wise Ranking (PWR) were employed for analysis. Findings revealed that most respondents were in their active and productive years, predominantly married, with large household sizes and limited formal education. Farming was the primary occupation and source of income, yet access to extension services remained low. Armed banditry significantly disrupted maize production through farm abandonment, displacement, reduced labor strength, and declining yields, resulting in heightened poverty and food insecurity. Coping strategies adopted included community vigilantism, livelihood diversification, relocation, and reliance on social support networks. The study concluded that armed banditry has severely constrained the livelihoods of rural women farmers, threatening food security and agricultural sustainability. It recommended that strengthening rural security systems, improving access to agricultural services and resources, and promoting livelihood diversification and collective action to enhance resilience among rural women maize farmers.