Rural Criminology in Africa: Historical Evolution and Contemporary Challenges | Chapter 4 | Rural Justice in Africa: Rethinking Crime, Policing and Community Security in Marginalised Spaces

 

Rural crime in Africa has been largely overlooked in criminological research, despite its significant impact on the safety, development, and livelihoods of rural communities. These areas face unique challenges such as poverty, land disputes, weak law enforcement presence, and environmental degradation, which drive a wide range of criminal activities, including livestock theft, poaching, human trafficking, and illegal mining. This article aims to analyse the evolving nature of rural crime in Africa by examining its causes, forms, and impacts. It seeks to distinguish rural crime from urban crime, assess how socio-economic and structural factors influence criminality in rural areas, and propose context-sensitive strategies for crime prevention and policy intervention. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining qualitative and quantitative research. The study includes a review of existing literature, case studies from selected rural communities, and interviews with key stakeholders such as law enforcement officers, policymakers, and community leaders. This comprehensive methodology allows for both theoretical and practical insights into rural crime dynamics. The study finds that poverty, unemployment, and resource conflicts are the primary drivers of rural crime in Africa. Vulnerable populations, especially women and children, are disproportionately affected. Resource-based crimes linked to environmental degradation are on the rise, revealing the intersection between ecological and criminal issues. Rural communities often rely on informal justice systems due to limited access to formal policing and legal services. The findings underscore the need for interdisciplinary and community-centred approaches to rural crime prevention. Strengthening community policing, integrating informal justice mechanisms, and addressing socio-economic inequalities are critical. The article calls for expanded criminological research on rural areas, policy reforms that reflect the unique needs of rural populations, and collaborative frameworks that promote rural development, human rights, and sustainable security.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Dr. John Motsamai Modise
Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mono/978-93-88417-88-4/CH4