Farmers-Herders Conflict in Nigeria: Reality and Way Forward

This paper examined Farmers-Herders Conflict in Nigeria. The renewed crises have resulted in the loss of lives and properties. The study adopted historical and content analysis method. It argued that the struggle for land resource is the major cause of farmers-herders’ conflict in the country. Though, the Fulani herders in the past largely enjoyed a symbiotic relationship with sedentary agriculturalists in Nigeria, this relationship has been distorted in recent years by environmental changes that have driven the herders further south, massive growth in the size of Fulani herds, the growth of practices such as agro-pastoralism and the expansion of farmland into traditional corridors used by the herders. The crisis is further complicated by the acquisition and use of small arms and light weapons by parties to the conflicts. This paper recommended that government should intensify her peace building mechanism by ensuring security agencies engage and collaborate with stakeholders in the conflicts. A minimum jail term of 21 years with no option of fine for illegal possession of firearms by individual(s) be instituted. Government must move away from the rhetoric of extending condolences to the victims and promises to arrest the perpetrators of attacks after the deed has been committed. The world over, the best approach to security is prevention — Government must always move ahead of the so-called attackers to stop them before they carry out any dastardly act in our communities. It also recommended for the establishment of ranches to stop the roaming of herders and cattle in search of pastures — this should be explored as a matter of necessity in view of the growing population and climate change in the world. In addition, government should revisit the National Afforestation Initiative of 2010 and Great Green Wall Project of 2013 where a total of N15 billions earmarked from the National Ecological Funds to tackle desertification. Government should establish a clear and effective land-use planning system that will mitigate the conflicts that usually arise from land accessibility and usage especially for extensive land demanding agricultural activities. An intense sensitization and orientation of the nomadic Fulani herdsmen should be embarked upon to educate them on the rational and merit behind modern livestock management which has been misrepresented in some quota as an attempt to undermine their cultural and traditional transhumance system. Suitable incentive for change should be provided by government to fast-track the transition to modern livestock management. This could be monetary or technical incentives to motivate subscribers and to weaken the conservative tendencies of target groups.