Effects of Boko Haram Insurgency on Livelihood Restoration Activities Among Farmers in Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria

This study assessed the effects of Boko Haram insurgency on livelihood restoration activities among farmers in Michika LGA, Adamawa State, Nigeria. A random sampling technique was used to select 128 farming households. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, the Simpson Index of Diversification (SID), Garrett ranking and a paired sample t-test. The findings revealed a significant decline in agricultural production due to insurgency, with significant reductions in crop yields such as; groundnut (-274%), maize (-34.8%) and livestock numbers; sheep (-85%) and poultry (-73.7%). Consequently, the primary income source shifted drastically; agriculture contributed 90% of income pre-insurgency but only 51% afterwards, indicating a forced diversification into non-farm activities. The most common restoration interventions received were asset repair (91.4%) and input distribution (85.2%), while critical support like micro-credit (29.7%) and psychosocial aid (21.9%) was severely lacking. Major constraints identified were insurgency itself, pest attacks and inadequate extension services. The study concluded that the insurgency severely crippled agricultural livelihoods and recovery remain fragile. It recommends that government agencies (Ministry of Agriculture, NEMA) and development partners (NGOs, SMEDAN) move beyond short-term aid. Interventions should prioritise a holistic approach integrating enhanced credit access, extension services, psychosocial support, and a multi-sectoral strategy to improve security and infrastructure for sustainable livelihood restoration.