The Menace of Farmers and Fulani Herdsmen Crisis
A Case Study of Selected Communities in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria, 2012-20
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51415/k731yz23Keywords:
Crops-farmers, Crises, Fulani-herdsmen, Security institutions, Food security and Fighting.Abstract
This study examines the menace of farmers–Fulani herders conflict and its implications for socioeconomic development in selected communities of Agatu Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria, between 2012 and 2022. The study focuses on eight communities: Egba, Ayila, Oweto, Okokolo, Ekwo, Abogbe, Elo and Enogaje. It investigates the causes of the conflict, its effects on agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods, the role of conflict-management institutions, and the relationship between persistent violence and alleged land encroachment. The study adopts a mixed-method research design, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were collected from 500 respondents, comprising 250 crop farmers and 250 Fulani herders, selected through multistage sampling, alongside focus group discussions. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, including t-tests, were employed to analyse the data at the 0.05 significance level. The theoretical framework integrates Environmental Scarcity Theory and Frustration–Aggression Theory to explain how competition over farmland, grazing routes and water resources, combined with unresolved grievances and inadequate institutional responses, may intensify hostility and retaliatory violence. Findings indicate that farmers–herders conflict significantly affects socioeconomic development and agricultural productivity. The results also suggest that conflict-management institutions help address the crisis, although persistent insecurity and public distrust remain major challenges. Furthermore, persistent fighting in Agatu Local Government Area is significant to land grabbing. The study concludes that sustainable development in Agatu requires effective security provision, transparent land administration, accessible dispute-resolution mechanisms and peaceful coexistence. It recommends strengthening community-based mediation, enforcing lawful land-use agreements, promoting modern livestock management, and supporting affected households in restoring agricultural production and sustainable livelihoods.
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