The Impacts of Farmers-Herders Conflicts in the North-Central Zone of Nigeria

Abstract:

The study x-rayed farmers-herders conflict in the North-Central geo-political zone of Nigeria. Exploratory research was employed; focus group discussion (FGD) and key informant interview (KII) were used to collect primary data from the respondents. The data generated were transcribed and recorded verbatim (word-for-word account of verbal interview) and they were converted into written form. Data were enumerated and thematic analysis and categorization were provided. Secondary data were sourced from the internet and relevant books. This study adopted the social theory. The findings of the study revealed that the destruction of farmlands by cattle is one of the major causes of the farmers-herdsmen crisis in the north-central zone. It also revealed that the harassment of herders by the host community, that is, the youths, is another factor which instigates animosity thereby leading to a farmers and herdsmen crisis in the North-Central zone. It discovered that farmers-herders conflict has reduced the quality of the social relationship between both the farmers and herdsmen, and resulted in the loss of human life, houses and properties worth billions of naira in the zone of North-Central. The paper recommended that government at all levels and critical stakeholders should exercise good leadership and political will by bringing the warring parties to a dialogue table while meting punishment and rewards where necessary so as to restore peace, order and trust in the populace. The level of destruction incurred by the warring parties should be assessed, and both governmental and non-governmental organisations should work towards financial assistance for the victims of farmer-herdsmen conflicts. The findings corroborate the gaps which the researchers intended to fill.