Farmers-Herders’ Conflict in Nigeria: Causes, Consequences and Resolution Mechanisms

Abstract

Existing literature has shown the nature of farmers-herders’ conflict in the Nigerian socio-political landscape. However, special attention has not been paid to the causes, consequences and resolution mechanism at the countryside. It becomes imperative to critically examine both the structural and processual variables responsible for the conflict which are essential to ending the conflict to avoid future loss of lives. Using secondary data, this paper views the structural and processual conflict variables from the framework of conflict theory and political ecology approach. It argues that the causes of conflicts between farmers and herdsmen were observably due to population increase and human development needs coupled with the collapse of the land tenure system Also, the consequences were noted in the incessant clashes involving herdsmen and farmers in Nigeria which have resulted into political instability and also a threat to national security. In addition, the resolution mechanisms for farmers-herders’ conflict often involve mediating disputes between conflicting parties and facilitating dialogue to promote understanding and cooperation. This paper however concludes that sustainable peace between farmers and herders requires a holistic approach that considers the social, economic, environmental, and cultural aspects of the conflict.