Effect of Cattle Rustling on Economic Development in Zamfara State, Nigeria

The objectives of the paper are to determine the effect of cattle rustling on the lsevel of income of cattle owners in Zamfara state and to investigate the effect of cattle rustling on the quantity of cattle supplied in the market. A survey method using a structured questionnaire and informal interviews of key informants as well as direct observation of respondents was used. The multi-stage sampling technique was employed in selecting samples for the study. The linear regression model was used for the analysis of the data. The results of the study revealthat cattle rustling in Zamfara State affect the income of cattle owners and the market quantity of cattle. Furthermore, the result shows that cattle rustling had led to a decrease in the income of cattle owners and the market quantity of cattle in the study area. The study recommends that government should recognize vigilante groups to strengthen the effort of security agencies to prevent and control activities of cattle rustling. The paper also recommended that government should economically empower the people on cattle rearing and production to increase the market quantities of cattle in Zamfara State, Nigeria.