BUMPER HARVEST AND MASS CORPSES: THE NEXUS BETWEEN AGRICULTURAL REVOLUTION AND FARMERS – HERDERS CONFLICT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The persistent loss of lives and properties owing to the violent conflict between farmers and herders in Nigeria is unequivocally worrisome. This paper offers a critical appraisal of the role of the agricultural revolution in the emerging violence between farmers and herders in Nigeria which has defied all conciliatory attempts. A quantitative research design was adopted and secondary data were utilised for the study. The findings revealed a very strong relationship (r=0.80) between the agricultural revolution of the federal government and the growing frequency and intensity of the conflict. In addition, the conflict theory was adopted to further buttress the findings. Consequently, the paper suggests massive and consistent sensitisation of the public on the complexity of the conflict in order to depoliticise it; provision of adequate adaptation strategies to cushion the effects of climate change; adoption of ranching as an alternative to open grazing; strategic planning of urban development to allow for sustainability in land utilisation. This will unarguably translate to an end in the needless bloodbath ravaging the country.