INSECURITY AND SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF WOMEN IN THE INFORMAL SECTOR IN TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigates the nexus between insecurity and the socioeconomic development of women in the informal sector in Taraba State, Nigeria, from 2019 to 2024. It evaluates how women's economic activities contribute to development, the disruptive effects of insecurity, and how insecurity exacerbates gender disparities. The study adopts the Neoliberal theory and relies on qualitative data collected via focus group discussions and in-depth interviews across three senatorial districts of Taraba State. Findings reveal that women in the informal sector significantly enhance household and community development. However, insecurity severely disrupts their productivity through market inaccessibility, heightened exposure to gender-based violence, and extortion. The study concludes that targeted interventions are necessary to improve women's security, access to financial support, and social protections in order to optimize their developmental roles.