Impact Of Boko Haram Insurgency On Migrants’ Poverty Level In Southern Borno, Nigeria: A Study Of Some Selected Local Government Areas

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of Boko Haram insurgency on the poverty levels of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Southern Borno, Nigeria, with a focus on selected Local Government Areas (LGAs). The research was informed by the challenges experienced by the IDPs over the long period of insurgency within the region with most of them losing their means of livelihood thereby, reinforcing their poverty level. Mixed method was deployed where a cross sectional survey was adopted to collect data for the quantitative data and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) was used to collect qualitative data. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data. While as, thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data. The research reveals the profound socio-economic challenges faced by IDPs, including a significant reduction in income, with the average monthly income dropping from ₦103,426.81 (before displacement) to ₦55,650 (after displacement), highlighting severe economic vulnerability. The findings show an increased reliance on external support from Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), government agencies (NEDC, NEMA, SEMA), and faith-based organizations, as well as assistance from host and neighboring communities. Vulnerabilities related to climate change, household dependency, educational attainment, and limited adaptive capacity were also identified as major contributors to the poverty levels among IDPs. The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions, including economic support programs, vocational training, climate adaptation strategies, infrastructure development, and strengthened policy frameworks to mitigate the negative effects of displacement and improve the livelihoods of affected populations.