ANATOMY OF CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF THE FARMER-HERDER CONFLICT ON FOOD SECURITY IN BENUE STATE, 2015-2023
Journal Title: WUKARI INTERNATIONAL STUDIES JOURNAL - Year 2024, Vol 8, Issue 1
Abstract
Benue State has recorded significant increase in farmer-herder conflict and major drawbacks in communal coexistence. This study examines the causes of the conflict and its effects on food security in the state. The structural conflict theory was used in analyzing the major variables while descriptive documentary design involving a mix of exploratory interview, Focus Group Discussion, observation, analyses of official documents and secondary data was utilized to triangulate evidence. Twenty (20) participants were purposively drawn from the population in the study area for interviews and focused group discussions and their responses were transcribed, presented and analyzed in a descriptive form using thematic headings. Deriving from the study findings, the results generated indicated that the underlying cause of the farmer-herder conflict in Benue State is climate change with its attendant consequence of herders migrating from the north to the state in search of pasture and water points. However, trigger causes muted by respondents include but not limited to illegal invasion of farms and destruction of crops by cattle, cattle rustling and theft; passage of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law 2017, among others. Effects of the conflict on food security include the destruction of human lives and animals, farmlands and properties, drop in food production, hike in food prices, and rise in poverty level among the people, social dislocation and population displacement, among others. Against this backdrop, the study recommends that aside intensifying campaigns and actions against climate change, the Benue State Government and its critical stakeholders should strengthen and improve local peace building and reconciliation systems, among others.
Authors and Affiliations
ACHANYA JULIUS JOHN, VARZOA LUMA
SOCIAL MEDIA AND WOMEN MOBILIZATION FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
The study explored the potential of social media for women mobilization to attain community development. Social media has become a very powerful platform that informs and educates its users. Community development is the...
INTERROGATING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONTRIBUTORY PENSION SCHEME IN NIGERIA
The failure of the Defined Benefit Scheme implemented by government over the years makes the introduction of the Contributory Pension Scheme a welcomes development as it has ensured that retirees in the country no longe...
THE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT AND CURRENT TRENDS OF POLITICAL SCIENCE AS A FIELD OF STUDY IN NIGERIA
This study provides an overview of the historical development and current trends of political science as a field of study in Nigeria. It examines how political science emerged and evolved as a distinct academic discipli...
GEOPOLITICAL VARIATION IN THE REPORTAGE OF SECURITY BY THE NATION AND DAILY TRUST NEWSPAPERS (2010-2020): A PROGNOSIS
This study explores the geopolitical trajectory in the reportage of security issues in Nigeria by The Nation and Daily Trust newspapers between 2010 and 2020.The two national dailies have within the period under study e...
MAKING VOTESCOUNT IN ELECTION TECHNOLOGY ERA: A PROPOSED FRAMEWORK FOR NIGERIA’S FUTURE ELECTIONS TO ENHANCE GLOBAL STANDING
The electoral process, been a recurrent political ceremony, holds central significance within any democratic framework; however, the realization of honest vote counting during elections has presented persistent challeng...