EFFECT OF FARMERS-HERDERS CONFLICT ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY IN BENUE STATE.

Abstract

The farmers-herders conflict in Benue State poses significant challenges to both local communities and agricultural productivity. This conflict stems from resource competition, ethnic tensions, and a lack of effective governance systems. This study therefore analyzed the effect of farmers-herders conflict on agricultural productivity in Benue State. The study sought to achieve the following objectives; analyzing the underlying causes and consequences of the farmers-herders conflict in Benue State on agricultural productivity, and identifying potential solutions that promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders over resource allocation, and enhance agricultural productivity in Benue State. The study adopted the cross-sectional survey design as its method for the collection of data. The population of the study consisted of the 692,000 indigenes of Agatu, Guma and Logo Local Government Area of Benue State. The analysis of the results indicates a consensus among respondents that the farmers-herders conflict has negatively affected yam production in Benue State, primarily through hindrances caused by land disputes and disrupted access to suitable grazing areas. The study recommends that land disputes and conflicts between farmers and herders, should be addressed. This can be achieved by establishing or enhancing local dispute resolution committees or platforms where conflicts can be addressed and resolved amicably.