Herdsmen and Farmers Conflict in Selected States from North Central, South West and South East Geo- Political Zones and its Impact on Food Security in Nigeria, 2015 – 2021.
Category : Latest Publications
HERDSMEN AND FARMERS CONFLICT IN SELECTED STATES FROM NORTH CENTRAL, SOUTH WEST AND SOUTH EAST GEO- POLITICAL ZONES AND ITS IMPACT ON FOOD SECURITY IN NIGERIA, 2015 – 2021.
Ogbomah, Oyin-Emi Frank – Lecturer, Bayelsa State Polytechnic, Aleibiri,
Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
E-mail: ogbmahfrank11@gmail.com
Abstract
This study examined the herdsmen and farmers conflict in Nigeria and the challenge it poses to food security in the country. The conflict between herdsmen and farmers which hinged on the grazing of livestock has led to the destruction of farmlands and also killing of innocent farmers across the country. The incessant attacks on farmers by herdsmen have forced many farmers to abandon their farms for fear of being maimed or killed. The abandonment of farmlands by farmers will no doubt impact food security in the country. The study was carried out in Benue and Plateau states in the North Central Geo-political zone, Ekiti and Oyo states in the South West Geo-political zone and Enugu and Ebonyi states in South East Geo-political zone. The study adopted survey method and a total of three thousand six hundred (3,600) questionnaires were administered to the respondents in selected states from the three geo-political zones. Two thousand four hundred and eighty-two (2,482) questionnaires were successfully retrieved. The data collected was analyzed using the arithmetic mean. The findings revealed that the encroachment of herdsmen’s cattle into farmlands leading to the destruction of farm crops is one of the major causes of the conflict between herdsmen and farmers in Nigeria. The findings also revealed that the herdsmen and farmer conflict pose a serious challenge to food security in the country due to the incessant attacks on farmers which have prompted most farmers to abandon their farms. The study recommends among others the need for strong political will from the Federal and State Governments in resolving the conflict between herdsmen and farmers in the country.
Keywords: Herdsmen, Farmers, Conflict, Food Security.
