SOCIO-ECONOMIC EFFECT OF FARMER-HERDER CONFLICT IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF NUMAN AREA OF ADAMAWA STATE NIGERIA

Abstract

Increase in competition for limited resources has often times led to violent conflicts between herdsmen and farmers in many parts of Nigeria. The conflict has in recent years taken more dangerous dimension as the herdsmen now carry sophisticated ammunitions with which they kill and maim perceived opponents at will. This study is therefore examining the socio-economic effect of farmer-herder conflict in Nigeria. A study of Numan area of Adamawa state Nigeria. The study is anchored on frustration aggression theory. The research adopts qualitative approach to data analysis which relies on secondary sources like journals, textbooks, newspapers and online publications. Results show that the conflicts have resulted to physical destruction and robbery of crops, livestock, harvest, and food stores. Apart from that, it discourages young people from engaging in farming operations. Furthermore, human relocation causes acute food shortages in the receiving areas where they seek sanctuary. The study concluded that the Herdsmen-farmers conflict created food shortages, distrust and unemployment. The study recommended that government should establish the cattle grazing field in various communities across the federation for herdsmen, Government should setup the school field system for those internally displaced. Establishment of the grazing policy of some plots of land for herdsmen, Farmers should be licensed to hold arms and weapons for self-defense. The herdsmen and farmers’ association should meet to resolve the conflict.