Armed Conflict and Livestock Species Choices in Northern Nigeria: Evidence From Panel Data Analysis

Abstract

This study examines how armed conflict influences livestock species choices among households in northern Nigeria, a region with livelihoods largely dependent on livestock keeping. Using household panel survey data with global georeferenced conflict data, this study observes significant trends in livestock ownership patterns from 2010 to 2016. Results from the fixed-effects multinomial logit model show that higher conflict intensity, measured by fatalities, reduces the likelihood of owning larger livestock, especially cattle, but it increases ownership of smaller, more resilient livestock such as poultry, sheep and goats. This shift has implications for household income and nutrition. This study highlights the importance of policies that consider conflict and promote diversified livestock holdings as a sustainable livelihood strategy in conflict-vulnerable regions.