ISSN 2756-3642
International Journal of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development ISSN 3254-5428 Vol. 7 (1), pp. 001-008, January, 2019. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Causes, effects and resolution of farmers-nomadic cattle herders conflict in Delta state, Nigeria
A. U. Ofuoku1* and B. I. Isife2
1Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Asaba, Nigeria.
2Department of agricultural Economics and Extension, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Accepted 22 December, 2018
Abstract
The study was conducted in Delta State to investigate the farmers-nomadic herders’ conflict that is common in many parts of Nigeria. Such conflict has caused a lot of losses to Nigeria, the State, local communities, and families. This study unveils the causes of such conflicts and suggests ways to prevent and resolve them in the future. Using simple random and positive sampling techniques, 80 farmers and 20 nomadic cattle herders were selected respectively from 8 purposively selected communities. Data were collected using a structured interview schedule. The causes of such conflict were: destruction of crops, contamination of streams by cattle, over- grazing of land, disregard for local traditional authorities, female harassment, harassment of nomads by youths of host communities, indiscriminate bush burning, defecation of cattle on roads, cattle theft, and straying of cattle. The socio-economic effects of the conflicts include reduction in crop yield and income of farmers/nomads, displacement of farmers, loss of lives and property and loss of products in storage. T- test of the data showed differences in the response of farmers and nomads in respect to the causes of the conflicts (P<0.05). The study suggests that local development plans should be established to reduce such conflicts. Also, the extent of damage and compensation should be agreed upon by both parties at the community level with the agricultural extension agents as facilitators.
Key words: Farmers, nomads, cattle, conflict, herders, local development plan.