The consequences of violent extremism on livelihoods and the resilience of communities are relatively understudied. Extant research has neither provided a reliable explanation of the effects of extremism on livelihoods, nor explained the rural strategies for coping with extremist events in various Africa contexts. This study seeks to examine the relationship between violent extremism and livelihoods in rural African communities. The research employs comparative research technique to assess the root causes, effects and the responses to Boko Haram’s insurgency in Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon. The primary source of data is semi-structured interviews with communities, government officials and NGOs. The secondary sources of data consist of media reports, journals, and books. The analysis frameworks are the drivers of violent extremism, and the sustainable livelihoods framework (SLF). This study will contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the consequences of extremist activities on rural livelihoods and its’ implications for countering violent extremism programs and rural development policies in Africa.