Background of the Study
Conflicts in rural areas of Nigeria have had devastating effects on local economies, particularly for small-scale traders who rely on stable environments to conduct their businesses. Bali Local Government Area in Taraba State has experienced recurrent communal clashes, farmer-herder conflicts, and banditry, which have disrupted economic activities and threatened livelihoods (Adeyemi & Usman, 2023). Rural traders, including farmers, artisans, and market vendors, face difficulties such as market closures, destruction of goods, and restricted movement due to security concerns (Musa & Yusuf, 2024).
Conflicts create an atmosphere of uncertainty, discouraging investments and leading to rising costs of goods and services (Okafor & Danjuma, 2024). Traders often face financial losses due to looting, arson, and extortion by armed groups. Additionally, displacement caused by violence forces traders to abandon their businesses, further deepening rural poverty and economic instability (Bashir & Hassan, 2025).
Despite the critical role of rural trade in local economies, limited research has been conducted to examine how conflicts impact traders’ businesses and livelihoods. This study seeks to investigate the economic consequences of conflicts on rural traders in Bali LGA and explore potential solutions to mitigate these effects.
Statement of the Problem
The persistent outbreak of conflicts in Bali LGA has significantly disrupted trading activities, leading to income loss, job insecurity, and reduced economic growth (Ali & Eze, 2023). Rural traders have been particularly vulnerable, as they often lack financial resilience and access to credit facilities that could help them recover from conflict-related losses (Abdul & Ibrahim, 2024).
Market closures due to security threats, destruction of infrastructure, and the displacement of key stakeholders in local commerce have further aggravated the problem (Oladipo & Nwachukwu, 2025). If left unaddressed, the economic impact of conflicts on rural traders will continue to undermine local development and widen the poverty gap in conflict-prone areas.
Objectives of the Study
To analyze the economic impact of conflicts on rural traders in Bali LGA.
To examine the coping mechanisms adopted by traders in conflict-affected areas.
To explore policy measures that can support the recovery of rural trade in post-conflict settings.
Research Questions
How do conflicts affect the economic activities of rural traders in Bali LGA?
What coping strategies do traders use to sustain their businesses during conflicts?
What policies can be implemented to support rural traders in conflict-prone areas?
Research Hypotheses
Conflicts have a significant negative impact on the economic activities of rural traders in Bali LGA.
Traders in conflict-affected areas adopt various coping mechanisms to sustain their businesses.
Government policies and interventions can help mitigate the economic impact of conflicts on rural traders.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on rural traders in Bali LGA and the economic effects of conflicts on their businesses between 2015 and 2025. Limitations may include difficulties in obtaining financial records of affected traders and reluctance of participants to share personal experiences.
Definitions of Terms
Rural Traders: Small-scale business owners, vendors, and market operators in rural areas who engage in trade and commerce.
Economic Impact: The effect of events or policies on economic activities, including income, employment, and production.
Conflict-Affected Areas: Regions experiencing violence, instability, or social unrest that disrupts normal economic and social activities.
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