Nigeria’s Land Border Closure and Effects on Agripreneurship, Rural Livelihoods and Agricultural Markets in Southwest Border Communities

Abstract

Nigeria’s land border closure policy was implemented to curb smuggling, promote domestic agricultural production, and enhance food security. However, evidence shows that its micro-level effects on agripreneurship and rural livelihoods in border communities are limited. This study examines the effects of Nigeria’s land border closure on agripreneurship and rural livelihoods in selected Nigeria–Benin border communities of Ogun and Oyo States, Southwest Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, using primary data collected from 140 agripreneurs engaged in agricultural production, trading, transportation, and processing. A multistage sampling technique was employed, and the data were analysed using descriptive statistics and paired sample t-tests. The results reveal significant variations in livelihood outcomes across actors in the agricultural value chain. While some local producers experienced temporary market protection and increased demand for domestically produced commodities, traders, transporters, and processors recorded significant declines in income, revenue, and working hours during the border closure period. Overall, the border communities experienced reduced employment opportunities due to increased transaction costs and disruptions in agricultural commodity markets. The findings reveal an uneven distribution of benefits from the border closure, with livelihood losses outweighing gains for most agripreneurs. The study concludes that although border closure policies may support short-term domestic production objectives, their implementation without adequate complementary measures can undermine agripreneurial sustainability and rural livelihoods in border communities. It recommends integrating targeted support mechanisms, improved rural infrastructure, value chain diversification, and flexible, evidence-based trade management strategies to mitigate adverse effects on livelihoods. The study contributes to agricultural trade policy discourse by providing micro-level evidence on the livelihood implications of protectionist trade measures in developing economies.