Impact of Boko haram insurgency on feedlot cattle production activities in Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was conducted to access the impact of the insurgency on cattle feedlot in Borno State. Fifty four (54) respondents were randomly selected from four (4) local government areas in Borno State, making 216 respondents. Structured questionnaires were used to collect the data. Most of the respondents were married male (87 %), attained Qur’anic education (59%). Before insurgency period, the most common breed used for fattening is the Ambala (64%) which was usually imported from Chad republic; they attained substantial market size at two months. Most of the respondents (56%) transport their fattened animals to the Southern part of Nigeria because of better market value with profit margin of over 20 % and above per herd. During the insurgency, 56% of the respondents resorted to the fattening of Azawak breed, which attained market value after three to four months with 11 to 15 % profit per herd. Most of the problems encountered by cattle fatteners were threats from the insurgents, market closure (curfew), and poor access to the feedlot as a result of multiple road blocks. In conclusion, Boko Haram insurgency has negatively affected cattle feedlot production in Borno state. This negative effect is especially seen in the breeds of cattle used, target market, number of animals kept, price of cattle and threats from the insurgents.