Livelihood transition and economic well-being in remote areas under the threat of cattle rustling in Nigeria

Livelihood diversification has been recognized as an important strategy applied by vulnerable households to cope and adapt with institutional stresses, environmental and economic shocks. However, the complex interaction between cattle rustling, livelihood transition and well-being remains only partially explored. This study investigates the impact of cattle rustling on well-being as well as how cattle raiding is driving the livelihood transition. Using cross-sectional data of 1750 households analysed via multiple indicators and multiple causes (MIMIC), Logit and ordinary least squares regression, the results of this study elicit three key findings. First, cattle rustling has a significant negative effect on well-being. Second, there is a strong tendency for cattle raid affected households to transit out from farm labour, handicrafts and livestock production. However, affected households engaging in high return activities, such as trade and civil service, show a reduced likelihood of livelihood transition. Third, the constructed well-being index is low (0.33), indicating that households are actually transiting to low return sectors. However, participation in high return sectors requires resource investment capacities in terms of human, social and financial capital, which are substantially lacking in remote areas. In this sense, improving the level of literacy through both conventional and vocational education is key to achieving the rural welfare enhancement programmes.