Drivers of Farmers-Herdsmen Conflict in Middle Belt, Nigeria: Evidence from Farming Communities in Benue State
2025
Omale, P.I. | Tor, L.G. | Aaron, J.A. | Haruna, A.Z. | Age, A. | Naswem, A.
This study examined the drivers of persistent farmers–herdsmen conflict in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, focusing on Benue State. Particular attention was given to the role of the open livestock grazing system in fueling recurrent clashes. A total of 290 respondents were sampled using purposive, stratified, and simple random techniques across three agro-ecological zones. Data were obtained through structured questionnaires and oral interviews, and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis test, and factor analysis. Results showed that most respondents (57.9%) were full-time farmers, with 60.7% having formal education and 71.7% being male. Perceptions were consistent across agro-ecological zones, with no significant variation (p > .05). Open grazing was universally viewed as detrimental to agricultural and rural development. The most frequently cited triggers of conflict were crop destruction, land trespassing, and disputes over water sources. The study concludes that open grazing remains a major driver of conflict and recommends a gradual transition to livestock ranching, supported by policy reforms, security measures, and community-level initiatives to promote peaceful coexistence and agricultural sustainability.
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