FARMER-HERDER CONFLICT ON REGIONAL SECURITY – A CASE STUDY OF

NIGERIA, WEST AFRICA

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 CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study

Insecurity is the fundamental challenge undermining political and social economic development

of west African states. Since 1990’s, terrorism, insurgency and religious extremism have been the

hallmark of growing security challenges in the west African sub-region. In recent time, violence

arising from communal conflicts has gained currency across various local communities in the

west Africa (Eze,2018).

Thus, insecurity is the most appalling challenges that different countries around the world are

battling with, although, the declining phases of security situations globally are gradually taking

new shapes and dimensions in many countries in the world (Eze, 2018). States in Africa and the

west Africa, in particular, are becoming susceptible as a result of rising episodes of ethnic and

communal-related conflicts. The region experienced civil wars and genocide in the 1980’s and

early 1990’s with some states conflicts that lasted for a decade (Mohammed, 2016). Equally, the

trend of natural phenomena that were connected to climate change has further compounded the

security peril among the countries in the region. More so, the multifaceted diversity of cultural

and religious background was said to be in particular, the tiding rise of crisis in Africa. The most

common and widespread conflict is communal in nature, with alarming devastating

consequences. For instance, farmers-herders crisis has been among the most devastating resource

base conflict in West Africa.

For example, the violent conflicts involving herdsmen and farmers in Nigeria stand out as one of

the most unsettling security concerns which have grave implications on security in west Africa.

In addition, in Nigeria, while the Boko Haram pandemonium predominantly in the NorthEast

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part of the country and the increased agitations for self government in the SouthEast and the

SouthWest pose grave security threat to the unity of Nigeria (Eze, 2018), the emerging trend of

cattle rustlers and disputes over land use between farmers and Fulani cattle herders have also

disproportionately contributed to undermining Nigeria’s national security. And these tend to

destabilize the security architecture and socio-political stability in the west African sub-region

(Ameh, 2017). The grime cases of these new security threats frequently reported from different

parts of the country, have considerably increased the upsetting of the socio-economic and

political conditions in Nigeria, which has overwhelming negative implication in the security

structure of the west African sub-region.

In recent time, Nigeria in particular has experienced a significant increase in natural resource

conflicts. The clashes between farmers and herders have become worrisome, mainly in wetland

areas of the middle belt, west and central part of the northern Nigeria. The conflicts differ

depending on the circumstances and situations associated with it. However, the grime nature of

these new security threats often reported daily from diverse parts of the country have

considerably worsened the already appealing socioeconomic, political and security conditions of

Nigeria (Eniola,2016). The cases of farmers-herders’ conflicts are assuming new dimension and

becoming more volatile in nature. In many areas in the Northern Nigeria, the crises have not

been adequately explained considering the extend of the violence involved.

Inferring from the biblical antecedents of farmers-herders conflicts, right from the time of

Noraham (Genesis 13:1-18), it is obvious that ownership, possession and access to grazing land

have been an age-long issues that have been causing loss of lives, property, severity of

relationships among communities, tribes and races . The amicable separation of Abraham and his

nephew Lot to avert possible fight between them over grazing land is a true reflection of the

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crisis ravaging today. So, the peaceful separation of two of them helped resolve the conflict

between their workers caused by clash of interests. The text of Genesis 13:1-18 which is

employed, as the theological frame work for this study tends towards both conflicts and

prevention. It also nharps on conflicts resolution because it relates how Abraham had to amicably

separate from Lot , his nephew, so as to end the strife or conflict that erupted between his

herdsmen and those of Lot. On the other hand , their action equally served as a conflict

prevention exercise since their agreement to separate effectively prevented further clashes among

the two groups of herdsmen and thereby generated peace between the two relatives (Abraham

and Lot).

Against this background, this study seeks to examine the implication of farmers-herders conflict

in Nigeria on regional security in West Africa, in order to proffer a lasting solution towards

national and regional security in West Africa.

The Farmers-Herders conflicts in Nigeria, particularly in the Northwest and the North central of

Nigeria, apart from unimaginable destruction of lives and property, have also affected adversely

the socio-economic activities in these areas . The consequences of these have been food

shortages, lack of commercial -oriented sedentary farmers due to series of deaths resulting from

Farmers-Herders clashes. Understandably , violent conflicts, particularly Farmers-Herders

conflicts have, for a long time, been a common feature of economic livelihood in the west Africa,

(Idowu,2017).

Statistics reveal that the prevalence of Fulani herders in several parts of North central Nigeria

and some parts of southeast is largely attributable to the presence of "special ” pasture

availability of land for leasing , support from influential people, availability of water , absence of

tsetse fly and market opportunity (IMO,2017).

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Furthermore, the causes of the conflict relationship between farmers and herders were the

destruction of farms and crops, shooting and killing innocent people, threat and intimidation,

rape and sexual harassment, bush burning , water pollution, armed robbery by the Fulani

nomads, spraying of weeds with weedicides , cattle rustling, and killing. Even though the two

groups are at the forefront of the conflict, there are many actors involved with competing

interests.

Consequently, the conflict has generated humanitarian, economic, social, security and natural

effects on the socio-economic development of Nigerian community, and this has far-reaching

implication on the security situation in West African sub-region .

Available literature attributes climate change, moderate weather, green vegetation, forage as the

main factors that attract herders to a particular place (Folami,2018). Obviously, lake chad has

shrunk by 90% since the 1990’s , due to climate change, an increase in the population and

unplanned irrigation. Its basin covers part of Nigeria, Niger Republic, Chad and Cameroon , and

has been a water source for between 20 million people. This singular phenomenon of the lake

chad has , invariably forced many of the Herders in these neighboring Nigerian states to migrate

to Nigeria NorthWest , North central and South West. So, the increase in competition for limited

grazing land has often let to violent conflicts between herdsmen and farmers in many parts of

Nigeria. The conflict has recent time , taken more dangerous dimension, as the herdsmen now

carry sophisticated ammunition with which they kill and maim perceived opponents at will . This

research study, therefore examines the implication of farmers-herders conflict in Nigeria on

regional security in West Africa. It will ascertain the underlying factors responsible for the

continued hostility between farmers and herders in Nigeria. It will also determine the relationship

between farmers-herders conflict in Nigeria and regional security in West Africa.

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1.2 Statement of the Problem

In Nigeria, the conflicts between Farmers and Fulani herders have been a major problem, not

only for the local communities, but a national and regional one with ontold hardship and regional

insecurity within the West African Region. Several studies and reports have warned of possible

escalation of these conflicts into armed conflicts, if measures are not put in place to check the

ugly scenarios (Gbaka,2015). The social issue being addressed here concerns a law known as

"National Grazing Reserve Establishment and Development Commission Bill (Section 6),

shortened here as "Grazing Grounds Bill", which was presented to the Nigerian legislators for

consideration and approval . It seeks to empower designated agents of the federal government to

acquire parcels of land and hand them over to the Fulani herders, as grazing grounds for

for the cattle .

1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of this study is to examine the implication of farmers-herders conflict in Nigeria and on

regional security in West Africa. Other objectives are to:-

(¡) Identify the farmers-herders conflict zone in Nigeria.

(¡¡) Examine the factors responsible for the continued hostility between the Farmers and the

Herders in Nigeria.

(¡¡¡) Ascertain the measures put in place by Nigerian government in resolving the farmers-

herders conflict.

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(iv) To proffer enduring solution to farmers-herders conflict in Nigeria and as it affects the

security situations in West Africa.

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions were raised, so as to carefully address the subject-matter of this research

work :-

(i) What is the effect of farmers-herders conflict on the socio-political stability in West Africa?

(ii) What are the factors responsible for the continued hostility between farmers and herders in

Nigeria?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

In order to critically investigate the subject matter of this study, the following hypotheses were

raised :-

(I) Ho: There is no significant effect of farmers-herders conflict on socio-political stability in

West African countries.

H1: There is a significant effect of farmers-herders conflict on socio-political stability in West

African countries.

(ii) Ho: There are no significant factors responsible for the continued hostility between farmers

and herders in Nigeria.

H1: There are significant factors responsible for the continued hostility between farmers and

herders in Nigeria.

1.6 Significance of the Study

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This study will be beneficial to the Nigerian government, having identified the relative factors

that are responsible for the persistence of the farmers-herders conflict. It will also assist the

security agencies on the appropriate measures to be adopted in order to checkmate the constant

hostility between the farmers and herders in Nigeria. It will equally be useful to the governments

of other West African states in tackling the aforementioned conflict. This research study shall

also be of immense importance to the students of tertiary institutions, particularly the students of

masters in public and international affairs of the university of Lagos who may be carrying

research on a similar topic.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study is limited to assessment of the implication of farmers-herders conflict in Nigeria on

regional security in West Africa. It examines, among other things, the relative factors that

account for the continued hostility between farmers and herders in Nigeria, and determines its

impact on regional security in west Africa.

1.8 Definitions of Terms

CONFLICT

This is a form of friction , discord or strong disagreement arising within or between groups as a

result of incompatibility of interest.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

This deals with the process of designing , launching and running a new business.

FARMER

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This is a person who engages in agricultural activities such as , crops cultivation, who earns a

living in any kind of farming either in organism or crop.

GRAZING RESERVES

These are areas set aside for the use of pastoralists and are intended to be the foci of livestock

development

HERDERS

These are people of nomadic or semi nomadic culture who are known , in recent time , for

clashing with the crops planters in Nigeria.

PASTORAL

This is an aspect of agricultural activities which basically deals with producing livestock, rather

than growing crops.

RANCH

A large farm where cattle or other animals are bred .

RUSTLE

This is the act of ranching up and stealing of animals , especially cattle, horses, or sheeps.

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REFERENCES

Ameh,S. A(2017). Cattle Rearing and Its Contribution to the Nigerian Economic Analysis .

Triple A Research Journal of Social Science and Humanity (JSSH), vol. 1(1)006-051.

Eniola, F. (2016). Key Issues In Livelihoods Security Of Migrant Fulanis Pastoralist : Empirical

Evidence From South West Nigeria . AEGIS European Conference On African Studies -

African Alternatives: Initiatives and Creativity Beyond Current Constraints . Leiden , The

Netherlands .

Eze, S. E. (2018). Natural Resource Conflict in Northcentral Nigeria: A Handbook and Case

Studies. London/Abuja Mandaras Press /DFID. (With integrated CD-ROM).

Folami, A. T. (2018). "Terror, Territoriality and the Struggle for Indigeneity and Citizenship in

Northern Nigeria", Citizenship Studies, 13. 4 (2018), 349-63.

Gbaka, E.(2015). Managing Conflict Between Farmers and Pastoralists In Benue State , Nigeria.

Peace Trends : Center for Sustainable Development and Education In Africa, vol 2(3)-3.

Idowu, B. (2017). Conflict and Cooperation: Fulani Relations with the Samba and Mambila

Peoples. Cambridge Anthropology, 9(2): 42-57.

Imo, S. M. (2017). The Transformation of Pastoralists and Cultivators in Nigeria. Paper in Press

for a Special Issue of the Journal Africa, ed. M. Moritz.

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 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

In this chapter, the researcher ensured that relevant literature and theoretical frameworks on the

implications of farmers-herders conflicts in Nigeria on regional security in West Africa, and how

they relate to the study are well discussed. In this chapter, attempts have been made to

understand the theories that are important in the investigation of the subject matter under study.

The theoretical framework that provides the basis for this study was equally expounded.

2.2. Theoretical Framework

Le Meir and Hochet (2017), discussed that theorising farmers-herders conflicts remain very

difficult, since the actors, causes and dynamics are complex and varied. Hence combination of

theories is needed to explain vividly farmers-herders escalation. This study therefore adopts a

three-fold theoretical perspective to discuss farmers-herders relations theories adopted. These

theories are:

* Social Discontent Theory;

*Regional Security Complex Theory; and

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*Frustration-Aggression Theory.

2.2.1 Social Discontent Theory

Social discontent theory states that social movement activity is a rational response to

unsatisfying conditions in society. And because these conditions always exist, so does discontent

with them. Despite such constant discontent, people protest only rarely. This theory emphasizes

the feelings that people have when they are not satisfied with their situations resulting from

societal dysfunction or any other anti-people variables.

This theory is built around the concept of "relative deprivation", which is defined as the sense of

frustration that people experience when they observe other people having something they desire

within their reach, but unattainable.

The social discontent theory argues that social movements have their foundations among people

who feel deprived of some goods(s) or resource(s). According to this approach, individuals who

are lacking some good, service,or comfort are more likely to organize a social movement to

improve (or defend) their conditions. However, there are two significant problems with this

theory. First, since most people feel deprived at one level or the another almost all the time, the

theory has a a hard time explaining why the groups that form social movements do when other

people are also deprived. Second, the reasoning behind this theory is circular - often the only

evidence for such is the movement, the reasoning is circular.

Social discontent theory also agues that social movements are made up of individuals in large

societies who feel insignificant or socially detached or deprived. Social movements according to

this theory provide a sense of empowerment and belonging that the movement members who feel

socially discontented, otherwise, not have (Le Meir and Hochet, 2017).

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2.2.2 Regional Security Complex Theory (RSCT)

Regional security complex theory was developed by Barry Buzan and Ole Waever. This theory

idenrifies a regional security complex as a group of states whose primary national security

concerns are so closely interwined together that they cannot be extracted or addressed

independently of each other. The theory views security interdependence as a factor in the

creation regionally based clusters. The RSCT provided a framework for analysis and comparison

of regional security of different regions. According to this theory, regional security complexes

are defined as distinct and stable patterns of security interactions between actors. This means

that, an actor's security concerns are primarily generated in their immediate neighbourhood. The

security of each actor in a region interacts with the security of the other actors. (Le Meir and

Hochet, 2017).

2.2.3 Frustration-Aggression Theory

Frustration-Aggression theory also known as "Frustration-Aggression Displacement theory", is a

theory of aggression proposed by John Dollard, Neal Miller, Leonard Doob, Orval Mowrer and

Robert Sears in 1939, and further development by Neal Miller in 194, and Leonard Berkowitz in

1961. The theory states that aggression is the result of blocking or frustrating a person's efforts to

attain a goal (Friedman, 2018). When first formulated, the hypothesis stated that frustration

always precedes aggression and aggression is the sure consequence of frustration. Two years

later, however, Miller and Sear re-formulated the hypothesis to suggest that while frustration

creates a need to respond, some form of aggression is one possible outcome. Therefore, the

reformulated hypothesis stated that while frustration prompts a behaviour that may or may not be

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aggressive; any aggressive behaviour is the result of frustration (Zillman, 2009). It attempts to

give an explanation as to the cause of violence. Frustration is the "condition which exists when a

goal - response suffers interference", while aggression is defined as" an act which goal -

response is injury to an organism (or an organism surrogate). The theory emphasizes that

frustration causes aggression, but when the source of the frustration cannot be challenged, the

aggression gets displaced unto an innocent target (scapegoat). This theory is also used to explain

riots and revolutions, which both are believed to be caused by poorer and deprived sections of

society who may express their bottled up frustration and anger through violence (wordpress.com,

2015).

According to Olu-Adeyemi (2017), a number of other variables influence the use of violence as

well, for example, the culture, the society, and the political environment. The culture must, at

least accept, if not approve, violent actions as a means to an end. Violence is also more likely if

the current leadership and/or the socio-economic/political system is seen as unresponsive. Olu-

Adeyemi also established that the central theme of the theory is that scarcity is the product of

insufficient supply (impact of climate population explosion) or unequal distribution of resources,

as a result of deprivation which ultimately leads to aggression. On the issue of frustration, it

means that one's access to means of livelihood ( farming or grazing as the case may be) is being

thwarted by another or possibly by particular circumstances and that one's reaction to this

thwarting is that of annoyance . Olu-Adeyemi also added that , deprivation is not based on wants

and needs , but on the wants and needs that we feel we ought to have or deserve. More often than

not , the herdsmen are frustrated due to desertification. Thus, the reality is that they face forced

migration and as they migrate , series of challenges are encountered which in turn brings

frustration. Similarly, farmers who have struggled to cultivate farmlands also get frustrated

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whenever herds of cattle destroy their farmlands. The Fulani herdsmen terror is a struggle over

values and claims to scarce resources in which their aims are to neutralise , injure or to eliminate

the host communities in a bid to fend for their animals . The violent activities of the Fulani

herdsmen occur because of the accumulation of residual instigatory effects of frustration. The

terrorist activities of the herdsmen are traceable to the desertification that has caused depletion in

grazing opportunities or scarcity of feed for their animals which, in the long run, affects their

economic well-being. If a herdsman loses his flock to drought and water scarcity, he may be

frustrated because of loss of livelihood. From the reality, he may be aggressive and since he can

not channel it to the natural causes , he may in the long run, channel it to any person or group

that obstructs his migration to a safe area. On the side of farmers and host communities in

Nigeria, frustration also occurs whenever animals of the herdsmen trample on their farmlands to

eat their crops. And because they are frustrated too, they become aggressive and channel their

aggression to the herdsmen and their cows. Owing to this reality, conflict and confrontation are

inevitable.

2.3 Conceptual Clarifications of Farmers- Herders Conflict

2.3.1 Herdsmen

The Fulani originated from the Senegambia before spreading out into about 20 states, which cut

across West Africa and the Sahel as well as Western Sudan and Central African Republic

(McGregor, 2017).

The people are found in large numbers in Nigeria, but while some have moved into the cities,

many are still living as semi-nomadic herders. However, this group which owns and rears herds

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of animals like cattle for commercial purposes are called "Herdsmen". Fulani herdsmen or Fulani

pastoralists are nomadic or semi- nomadic herders whose primary occupation is raising livestock

(Iro, 2014). They usually move their herds from one place to another in search of pasture and

fresh water. It is predominantly the occupation of the Fulani ethnic group in Nigeria. They are

often armed and visibly move about with weapons (like daggars, matches, arrows, etc) to protect

their livestocks. The more distributing issue about the herdsmen is that they also block the

highways with their cattle, rob and kidnap people, keep them captives in the bush and demand

ransome. The herdsmen have also been involved in the rape of old and young women and

burning of communities (The Vanguard, 2015). Due to their violent nature and associated

killings, the group was recently described as the world's fourth deadliest militant group (GTI,

2015; Mikailu, 2016)

2.3.2 Farmers

Farmers (also called agriculturers) are persons who engage in agriculture, raising living

organisms for food or raw materials. The term, therefore applies to people who do some

combination of raising field crops, orchards, vineyards, poultry, or other livestocks. Based on this

broad definition, farmers are both the herdsmen who herd or keep livestock like cattle, goats and

sheep, and crop farmers. However, for this work, farmers (those who raise field crops) also

called peasant farmers/subsistence cultivators only.

2.3.3 Farmers-Herders Conflicts

Farmers-herdsmen conflict is as old as the existence of man. It started from the children (Cain

and Abel) of the first man (Adam). Abel was a shepherd and Cain was a farmer, according to

Bible account. However, Cain killed Abel in the field out of jealousy. Okoro (2018) averted that

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farmers-herdsmen conflicts are conflicts occuring between peasant farmers or subsistence

cultivators and nomadic or transhumant livestock keepers. According to Hagmann (2017), there

exist differences between "herder - herder conflicts" and "farmer - herder" conflicts. He

maintained that herder-herder conflicts are usually conflicts between nomadic or transhumant

livestock keepers that arise between recieving groups over their territory's resources and

incoming groups searching for water and pastures, and cattle raiding. Herder - herder conflicts is

a conflict that results from theft of cattle or other animals among the Fulani herdsmen. It is

herdsmen rustling cattle of other herdsmen, or when an unexperienced herders entrust their

animals in the care of experienced herders under agreements, and when such agreements are

breached, conflict occasions within. The violent cattle raids among pastoralists in East Africa are

examples of herder-herder conflicts. Hussein, Sumberg, and Seddon (2019) see farmers-herder

conflicts as comprising different types of conflicts, including ethnic conflicts, interest conflicts,

resource disputes , political action , evictions, killings , cattle raiding and cattle rustling.

The farmers-herders conflicts have impacted adversely on the socio-economic development and

security in West Africa.

Socio-economic development is the relationship between economic activity and social life . It is

the continuous improvement in the well-being and standard of living of the people. It therefore,

centres on poverty reduction or reduction of suffering of the poor and increase their access to

social services. It also requires action to increase the poor’s ability to generate an income in order

to meet their basic needs . The impacts of socio-economic development are seen in changes in

laws, changes in the physical environment, ecological changes and changes in security situations

of every society .

2.3.4 Security

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Security is the act of protecting a person, building, organisation, or country against threats, such

as, crimes or attacks. It is the safety as well as the measures taken to be safe or protected against

harm or threat. In the context of this study, security can be defined as the safety of a state or

organisation against criminal activities such as terrorism, banditry, or any other conflict(s).

The security situation in West Africa has really suffered a great deal of instability as a result of

the incessant farmers-herders conflicts in the sub region,. particularly in Nigeria. And this has

resulted in grace adverse effect on the security architecture in the sub region. There is, therefore,

a strong need for the countries in the sub region to come together and activate synergic efforts to

tackle this menace headlong. No nation grows under an insecure atmosphere. Nigeria, as a

frontline state in West Africa, should strive and contrive modalities to ensure that the regular

farmers-herders conflicts are given a lasting solution that would promote harmonious co-

existence between the farmers and the herders.

2.3.5 Farmers-herders Conflicts In Nigeria and West African Regional Security

Violence involving farmers and herders in Nigeria has been surging in recent time. The rise of

farmers-herdsmen conflicts in Nigeria is more pernicious than fatality figures alone, and it is

often amplified by the emotionally potent issues of ethnicity, religion, culture, and land.

Ironically, most livestock herders have no association with extreme groups and are often victims

of their actions. Nevertheless, once the genie of intercommunal conflicts are unleashed, passions

take over. Attacks become deadlier, expulsions more frequent, and reprisals extend to

communities not immediately linked to the initial flashpoint. The stakes quickly shifts from

questions over resource access or local politics to deep-seated notions of identity. (The Vanguard

2015).

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Although farmers and herders have held competitive relations for centuries, the current climate

of violence is unprecedented in Nigeria, in recent time. The relationship between manageable

farmers-herders disputes and spirals of intercommunal violence is complex. And this accounts

for the upsurge in the rate of farmers-herders conflicts in Nigeria. The violent conflicts involving

the farmers and the herders in Nigeria stands out as one of the most unsettling security concerns

in the sub region. Insecurity is the most appalling challenge that different areas around Nigeria

are battling with. The declining phases of security situations in Nigeria are gradually taking new

shapes and dimensions, and is assuming an alarming toll on the security stability of the sub

region. Countries in West Africa are becoming susceptible as a result of the rising episodes of

farmers-herders conflicts in Nigeria.

Generally, farmers-herders conflicts in Nigeria distrupt and threaten the sustainability of pastoral

farming and crop production in Nigeria (Shehu, 2018).

The conflicts reinforce cycles of extreme poverty and hunger, and destroy social status and food

security and affect mostly the already marginalized groups. The conflicts have created vicious

cycle of poverty in many West African countries, and affected the education of children, leading

to obstacles in their development and mass displacement (Imo, 2018)

2.3.6. The 1964 Grazing Reserve Law

The Nigerian Government Grazing Reserve Act of 1964, was a response to the problem of

alienation of grading lands increasingly being faces by the pastoral population at the time. In a

broader framework, the law was also taken as one of the policy measures to address the some of

the constraints confronting livestock development in Nigeria. Thus, grazing reserves were

established not only to protect grazing lands from farming and provide earlier access to them by

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pastoralists, but also to encourage the sedenterisation of nomadic/transhumant pastoralists

through legally secure tittles to grazing water and, in general, as one means of promoting

livestock development.

Understadably, the 1964 Grazing Reserve Act which was regarded as the grazing law of the

Northern Nigerian Legislative Assembly of 1964/1965, can be preserved, saved and protected in

the Northern states and Oyo state of the Southern Nigeria, and cannot be applicable in all states

of the federation, since it was made by only the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Nigeria.

Therefore, it lacked the status of a national application.

Aside from having limited coverage area, the coming into effect of the Land Use Act, which by

virtue of Section 315(5)(d) is a constitutional enactment, the 1964 Grazing Land Reserve law

automatically becomes a back bencher, having been effectively consumed by the provision of the

Land Use Act which by its preamble vests all land comprised in each state of the federation

(except land vested in the Federal Government or its agencies) in the Governor of the State to

hold in trust for the people.

2.3.6. Grazing Routes and the New Laws

Recently, the Southern State Governors met in Lagos on July 5, 2021, and made a resolution

banning open grazing in the whole of the Southern Nigeria. The 17 Governors of the Southern

states urged the states in the region to ensure that the legislation against open grazing of cattle is

put in place on or before September 1, 2021. The decision came after individual attempts to

address the menace of farmers-herdsmen menace as a result of open grazing in the Southern

states had failed, as the governors, under the Forum of Southern Governors, in one voice,

20
announced a ban on loose cattle in all the 17 Southern states. They recommended that the federal

government should support willing states to develop alternative and modern livestock

management systems.

So far, only six Southern states have been able to pass the bill on ban on open grazing into law.

The states include; Abia, Rivers, Bayelsa, Lagos, Ekiti and Oyo. This means that, by the time the

12 remaining Southern states pass the bill into law, the open grazing of cattle in the whole of

Southern Nigeria will be a thing of the past, and this will possibly put an end to the incessant

farmers-herdsmen conflicts, particularly in the Southern Nigeria.

2.3.7 Small Arms and Light Weapons Proliferation (SALW)

According to Salawu Aminu in his book titled "The Essence of Security" published in 2009, the

proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) is recognized as an obstacle to

development. In addition to facilitating criminal and armed violence, SALW are used to facilitate

sexual and gender-based violence and to reinforce, violent social norms. The proliferation of

small arms and ammunition is of growing concern as these weapons are used to destroy life and

impede the socio-economic development of countries, particularly in West Africa and Sahel

regions, where there is exponential rose in the rate of insurgency and terrorism. There are

national security implications for member jurisdiction, of the illegal cross border movement of

small arms and ammunition goes unchecked(Samai, 2017). For the purpose of this study arm

proliferation is defined as sudden increase in the number of arms and weapons beyond those

need for legitimate national security (Obed,2019).

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In Nigeria, the proliferation of arms fuels conflict and vice-versa. It is a dangerous trend that

jeopardizes stability, security, and investment in Africa's most populous and economically

powerful country. Former Nigerian head of state, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubarka stated that in a

recent speech that Nigeria had over 6 million small arms in circulation, backed by a "2020" SBM

Intelligence Report". With just over 10 million of these weapons in West Africa, this means that

Nigeria accounts for roughly 60% of the region's total. Increased demand for the weapons stems

from terrorism in the form of Book Haram, gang violence, armed robberies, ongoing

farmer/herder conflict, and both communities and individuals wanting to defend themselves.

Similarly, easy access to small arms enables crime and terrorism to spread faster than they would

otherwise.

A 2016 report by Oxfam, estimated that Nigeria had 20 million small and light arms and

weaponry, meaning that the number has tripled in just four years. Many of these small arms are

hand-crafted or stolen caches from Nigerian armed forces. Smugglers also traffick small arms

across porous borders after Libya's fall, which increased small arms proliferation throughout

West Africa and fueled by the crisis in the Sahel. In Zamfara State in Northern Nigeria, a Boko

Haram hotspot, the artisanal gold trade fuels the illicit, informal arms market, according to Dr

Nuradden Isah, the Commissioner for Environment and Solid Minerals(Salawu, 2009).

Further South, automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades were used in a jailbreak in

early April, 2022, freeing over 1,800 prisoners in Owerri, Imo State. This stresses Nigeria's

inability to address its security issues adequately, and this contributes immensely to the security

challenges in West African region. Even with the recent shakeup of Nigeria's military leadership,

there is little concrete evidence of improvement (Adesanya,2021).

22
2.4 Empirical Review

Popoola (2020) in the study titled "Effect of Communal Conflict on Economic Activities In Osun

State, Nigeria “ found out that commercial activities were totally shut down, such as the banks,

government offices, shops and private offices (entrepreneurial activities). The study revealed that

communal conflicts have negative effects on entrepreneurial activities. Ilo, 2016), in his study

investigated the prevalence of farmers-herders conflicts in Nigeria. He concluded that some of

the factors that usually led to crisis were limited or availability of sufficient resources like

grazing fields , farmlands , destruction or grazing on crops , long-standing disagreements, lack of

access to farm or grazing fields and scarcity of fresh water. Olu-Adeyemi, Adelakun,

Adurogbamgba, and Akinbile(2018) examined the socioeconomic effects of farmers-pastoral

lists conflicts on Agricultural Extension Service Delivery in Oyo State , Nigeria. They found out

that farmers suffer economic losses from farmers-pastoralists Conflicts.

Ofuoku and Isife (2016) analyzed the causes , effects and resolution of farmers-nomadic cattle

herders conflict in Delta state , Nigeria. They concluded that there were secrets behind such

conflicts and gave ideas on the way to prevent and solve such in the future . According to Opoku

(2017), the causes of the farmers-herders conflict are , shooting of innocent citizens by

herdsmen, destruction of food crops, raping of women on their farms , herdsmen causing bush

fires , pollution of water bodies by herdsmen and cattle rustling. These correspond to the findings

of Ofoku & Isife (2016), from their study in Delta state, as they found out that: destruction of

crops, contamination of streams by cattle over-grazing of fallow land, disregard for traditional

authority, sexual harassment of women by nomads, harassment of nomads for host youths,

indiscriminate defecation by cattle, stray cattle, indiscriminate bush burning are the major causes

of the farmer - fulani herdsmen conflict.

23
Ayo (2017) observed that "population explosion" underlines the conflict, as he argues that,

Southern and Middle Belt regions were scarcely populated with Arable land. Rapid growth in

population due to high birth rate and immigration, has caused the farmers to scramble for

farmlands which is becoming scarce by the day. In effect, grazing areas that were hitherto

abundant, are being taken over by scattered small firms, making grazing in these areas difficult.

According to Iro (2018), indigenization of the nomadic grazing communities, legalization of

farming or grazing rights are other factors that cause land tenure disputes contestations between

the farming and herding communities. This argument is supported by Breusers (2016).

According to their study, competition over natural resources caused by human population of

herds and extension of cultivated areas, are the causes of the farmers-herders conflicts. This is

also captured by Okoro (2018), who argued that Fulani pastoralists and sedentary farmers are

fighting for pastures and farmlands which are decreasing as the populations of humans and cattle

increase.

24
REFERENCES

Adesanya, M. K(2021). Arms Deals in West Africa: Issues and Challenges to Democratic

Consolidation. A Journal of Politics and Environmental, 3(7)32-45.

Ayo, A.S. (2017). Causes and Resolution of Conflict between Cattle Herders and Crop Farmers

in Katsina State. A published M.sc Dissertation by the school of postgraduate studies,

Ahmadu Bello university, Zaria.

Friedman, Howard S.; Schustack, Miriam W. (2018).

GTI, Mikailu (2016).

Hagmann, T. (2017). Mitigating Violent Resource Conflicts, In the Somali Region of Ethiopia.

Paper presented at the ZEF Research Meeting, Centre for Development Research, (ZEF).

University of Bonn, Bonn, November 19, 2017.

Ilo, T. B. (2016). Urban Violence Dimension in Nigeria: Farmers and Herders Onslaught.

AGATHOS International Review, Vol. 8 (14) 187-206.

25
Le Meir, P. & Hochet, Y., (2017). Property Relations by other means: Conflict between Herders

and Farmers in Africa: Claims and Evidence. Development Policy Review, Vol. 17 (4)

397-418.

McGregor, S.A (2017) Frustration and Aggression. New Haven, CT, US: Yale University Press.

OCLC 25 6003,

Measuring and Understanding the Impact of Terrorism, New York: Institute For Economics and

Peace. Pp 1-107.

Ofuoku, John Peter; & Isife, B.I. (2016). Causes, Effects and Resolutions of Farmers - nomadic

Cattle Herders Conflict in Delta State, Nigeria. International Journal of Sociology and

Anthropology, Vol, 1 (2) 047-054.

Okoro John Peters (2018). Herdsmen - Farmers' Conflicts: Implication On National

Development (Nigeria in Perspective). Paper presented at the 1st International

Conference of Social Sciences (ICOSS' 2018) held at National Open University of

Nigeria 25th June, 2018.

Olu-Adeyemi, L. (2017). Deprivation, Frustration and Aggression,. An Interrogation of Fulani -

Herdsmen Terror in Nigeria. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, Vol.4 (15) 1-

13.

Personality: Classic Theories and Modern Research (Sed.) Boston: Pearson, Vol. 3 (4) 33-39.

Popoola, M.A. (2020). Entrepreneurship Practice: As a means of poverty Reduction in South

Western Nigeria. Business Ethics and Leadership Journal, Vol.2 (4) 83-88.

26
Salawu, L. Aminu (2009). Nigeria's Weapons Procurement Process: Its Implications for Her

Defence Policy, pp 10-17..

Shakhnazarov, G. (2009). The Destiny of the World: The Socialist Shape of Things to come.

Moscow; Progress Publisher.

The Four Horse Men on Apocalypse: The Structural Cause of Violence in Africa, Vol. 2 (10) 13-

23.

Zilima, D. A (2019).

Zillman, Dolf (2019) Hostility and Aggression, Hillsdale, N.J: Lawrence Eribaum Associates,

Pp 126-141.

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 Introduction

This chapter discusses the design, features and procedures used in carrying out the research

work. They are discussed under the following headings: -

3.1 Research Design

In this study, the researcher adopted survey research method, with the use of structured

questionnaire for the collection of data. The choice of this research method was made based on

the fact that it is quantitative and produces objective data that can be clearly communicated

through statistics and numbers. Besides, survey method is more scientific, fast, objective,

focused and acceptable (Ben, 2018).

3.2 Study Location

27
Lagos State was chosen as the location where the research was carried out. The choice of Lagos

State was informed by its historical context. Besides, Lagos State has the largest concentration of

tertiary institutions, from where respondents were selected. It is the largest commercial city in

Nigeria and the hub of trade and commerce. Lagos is also the largest city in Nigeria with a

population of over twenty two million people. Lagos is located in the Southwest region of

Nigeria.

3.3 Study Population

In this study, the researcher centred around academics and other persons who are knowledgeable

in security matters and international affairs from the University of Lagos. The study population

consists of persons who have cognitive knowledge of security and relative impact of ethnic

conflict and its dynamics. Population helps to understand the processes that influence the size,

characteristics and distribution of the population elements (Asika, 2005).

3.4 Sample Size

In this work, the researcher selected a sample of 120 participants from among academics and

other persons who are knowledgeable in security matters and international affairs from the

University of Lagos. The researcher ensured that the sample size was representative of the

population. This is in line with the submission of Igbinosun (2016).

3.5 Sampling Method

Under this, probability sampling technique was adopted, with the use of simple random sampling

method, where the subjects of the population were given an equal opportunity to be selected as a

representative sample. The choice of this sampling technique was based on the fact that it saves

28
time and resources. It is also a reliable method of obtaining information where every single

member of a population is chosen randomly, merely by chance (Baily, 2016).

3.6 Research Instrument

In this study, the researcher used a structured questionnaire for the collection of data. The

questionnaire contains close-ended questions where pre-coded answer choices were made

available for the respondents to choose from. The questionnaire was drafted in simple language

that is easily understandable with the questions logically arranged

3.7 Validity of the Research Instrument

The questions in the questionnaire, in the view of the respondents, measured what they were

intended to measure. And in the view of experts, the survey contains questions which covered all

aspects of the construct being measured. The questionnaire asked series of related questions

covering different aspects of the construct of interest.

3.8 Reliability of Research Instrument

The respondents responded to the survey questions the second time in the same way they

remembered responding the first time, and this gives good impression of reliability. On the other

hand, the measurement of knowledge of the respondents yielded similar results under varying

conditions. This agrees with the argument of Monalisa (2018).

3.9 Data Collection Procedures

29
Under this, the researcher collected quantitative data through a survey method in which a

structured questionnaire was administered. At the end of the survey activities, the completed and

returned questionnaires were reviewed and vetted in order to check for internal consistency,

completeness and other related issues on each of the returned questionnaires.

3.10 Data Analysis

Under this, data were analyzed quantitatively based on research questions, using test statistics

and statistical tools which include: percentages and frequencies, t-test, regression analysis and

hypotheses testing.

REFERENCES

Asika, N. (2005). Research Methodology in the Behavioural Sciences. Lagos. Esto Printers.

Baily, K. J. (2016). Methods of Social Research, New York. The Free Press.

Ben, E. A. (2018). Understanding the Dynamics of Statistics In Social Research.

Igbinosun, F. E. (2016). "Research Methodology Made Simple . Benin-city. Riburay Printers.

Monalisa, S. M. (2018). Understanding Reserach Methods and their Dynamics in the Face of

Changing World. An International Journal of Social Sciences, Vol. 6(4): 32-37.

30
 CHAPTER FOUR

DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS

Data analysis is a method of developing answers to questions through the evaluation and

interpretation of data. This chapter critically explains the technique used in the presentation and

analysis of data gathered in the course of this study. The required data collected through

questionnaire, as research instrument, was subjected to statistical analysis using frequency

distribution and sample percentages. The data of each research question was collated and

presented in a tabular form followed with interpretation of results.

4.1 PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA

4.1.1 Presentation and Analysis of Data based on Respondent’s Bio-Data

31
A total of 120 questionnaires were distributed to academics and other selected persons

knowledgeable in security matters and international affairs from the University of Lagos. Out of

which, 115 were filled and returned, as shown in the table below:

Table 1: Analysis of Distributed Questionnaires

Persons Percentage
Number of Questionnaires (Answered and returned) 115 95.8
Number of Questionnaires (Unreturned) 5 4.2
Total 120 100
Source: Field Survey, 2023

This implies that 115 respondents, which represent 95.8%, constituted the sample size, while 5

questionnaires, which represent 4.2%, constituted non respondents.

Table 2: Respondent’s Bio-data

Frequency Percentage
Respondent’s Sex Male 70 60.9
Female 45 39.1
Total 115 100
Respondent’s Age 25 – 35 years 23 20.1
36 – 455 years 45 39.1
46 – 55 years 30 26.1
Above 55 years 17 14.7
Total 115 100
Respondent’s Marital Status Single 35 30.4
Married 65 56.5
Separated 15 13.1
Total 115 100
Respondent’s Educational Qualifications B.Sc 20 17.4

32
 M.Sc 45 39.1
Ph.D 50 43.5
Total 115 100
Respondent’s Years of working experience 5 – 10 years 23 20.0
11 – 15 years 40 34.8
Above 15 years 52 45.2
Total 115 100
Source: Field Survey, 2023

Interpretation

The sample size of the respondents is made up of 60.9 male and 39.1% female, indicating that

the sample population of the respondents has more male than female respondents.

The ages of the respondents indicate that 20.1% of them are within 25 – 35 years; 39.1% of them

are within 36 – 45 years; 26.1% of them are within 46 – 55 years; while 14.7% of them are above

55 years.

The marital status of the respondent indicates that 30.4% of them are single, 56.5% of them are

married. While 13.1% of them are separated, this implies that the sample population has more of

married persons than single and separated.

The educational qualifications of the respondents indicate that 17.4% of them possess B.Sc;

39.1% of them possess M.Sc; while 43.5% of them possess PhD.

The years of working experience of the respondents indicate that 20.0% of them are within 5 –

10 years 34.2%% of them are within 11 – 15 years, while 45.2% of the are above 15 years.

Table 3: What is the effect of farmers – herders conflict on the socio-political stability in
West Africa?

33
 SA A U D SD Total
a. There is a rising incidence of F 35 40 10 20 10 115
destruction of critical
% 30.4 34.8 8.7 17.4 8.7 100
infrastructure and displacement
of millions in the sub region.
b. National governments in the F 25 50 8 20 12 115
region now concentrate on
% 21.7 43.5 7.0 17.4 10.4 100
fighting insecurity resulting in
governance deficit.
Source: Field Survey, 2023

Data Analysis

From question item “a” above, 30.4% of the respondents strongly agreed with the research

question, 34.8% of them agreed; while 8.7% were undecided. Also 17.4% of them disagreed; and

8.7% of them strongly disagreed. This implies that, there is a rising incidence of destruction of

critical infrastructure and displacement of millions in the sub-region.

From question item “b” above 21.7% of the respondents strongly agreed with the research

question; 43.% of them agreed; while 7.0% of them were undecided. Again, 17.4% of the

disagreed and 10.4% of them strongly disagree. This implies that, national governments in the

region now concentrate on fighting insecurity resulting in governance deficit.

Table 4: What are the factors responsible for the continued hostility between farmers and
herders in Nigeria?
SA A U D SD Total
a. Herders encroach on farmlands F 30 45 10 18 12 115
with their cattle destroying
% 26.1 39.1 8.7 15.7 10.4 100
crops and other farm outputs.
b. Grazing routes have always F 25 45 8 20 17 115
been blocked by farmers to
% 21.7 39.1 7.0 17.4 14.8 100
safeguard their farms.
Source: Field Survey, 2023

34
Data Analysis

From question item “a” above, 26.1% of the respondents strongly agreed with the research

question, 39.1% of them agreed; while 8.7% of them were undecided. Besides, 5.7% of them

disagreed; and 10.4% of them strongly disagreed. This implies that, herders encroach on

farmlands with their cattle destroying crops and other farm outputs.

From question item “b” above, 21.7% of the respondents strongly agreed with the research

questions 39.1% of them agreed; while 7.0% of them were undecided. Moreso, 17.4% of them

disagreed; and 14.8% of them strongly disagreed. This implies that, grazing routes have always

been blocked by farmers to safeguard their farms.

Table 5: What are the measures put in place by Nigerian government in resolving
farmers/herders conflicts?

SA A U D SD Total
a. The government has proposed F 25 50 10 20 10 115
establishing “cattle colonies”, in
% 21.7 43.5 8.7 17.4 8.7 100
order to set aside land for
herders across the country.
b. The government has deployed F 30 45 15 15 10 115
additional police and army
% 26.1 39.1 13.0 13.0 8.7 100
units, and launched two military
operations to curb the conflict
in six states.
Source: Field Survey, 2023

Data Analysis

From question item “a” above, 21.7 of the respondents strongly agreed with the research

question; 43.5% of them agreed; while 8.7% of them were undecided. Moreso 17.4% of them

disagreed; and 8.7%% of them strongly disagreed. This implies that, the government has

proposed establishing “cattle colonies”, in order to set aside land for herders across the country.

35
From question item “b” above, 26.1% of the respondents strongly agreed with the research

question; 39.1% of them were undecided. Besides, 13.0% of them disagreed, and 8.7% of them

strongly disagreed. This implies that, the government has deployed additional police and army

units, and launched two military operations to curb the conflict in six states.

Table 6: Why does the farmer – herder’s conflict in Nigeria affect the security situation in
West Africa?

SA A U D SD Total
a. Nigeria has the largest F 35 40 10 20 10 115
agricultural output and the
% 30.4 34.8 8.7 17.4 8.7 100
largest number of cattle in the
sub – region, and plays a
significant role in the socio-
economic development of West
Africa.
b. Nigeria is the largest F 25 50 8 20 12 115
commercial hub in the sub-
% 21.7 43.5 7.0 17.4 10.4 100
region and serves as a facilitator
of trade and commerce to other
countries in the sub-region.
Source: Field Survey, 2023

Data Analysis

From question item “a” above, 30.4% of the respondents strongly agreed with the research

question; 34.8% of them agreed; while 8.7% of them were undecided. Also 17.4% of them

disagreed; and 8.7% of them strongly disagreed. This implies that, Nigeria has the largest

36
agricultural output and the largest number of cattle in the sub – region, and plays a significant

role in the socio-economic development of West Africa.

From question item “b” above, 21.7% of the respondents strongly agreed with the research

question, 43.5% of the agreed; while 7.0% of them were undecided. Furthermore, 17.4% of them

disagreed; and 10.4% of them strongly disagreed. This implies that, Nigeria is the largest

commercial hub in the sub-region and serves as a facilitator of trade and commerce to other

countries in the sub-region.

4.2 Testing of Hypotheses

Hypothesis One

Ho: There is no significant effect of farmers – herders conflict on socio-political stability in

West Africa.

Hi: There is a significant effect of farmers – herders conflict on socio-political stability in

West Africa.

Table 7: Correlation Test

N Correlation Sig.
Farmers-herders conflict
115 0.650 0.000

Pair I and
Socio-political stability in West Africa

Source: Field Survey, 2023

37
Decision Rule

Reject the null hypothesis when significant value is (0.01) less than p-value of a = 0.01, and

accept the alternative hypothesis. However, if the p-value is less than 0.01 sig level, then the null

hypothesis is rejected and the alternative is accepted.

Decision

The table relatively shows that the correlation value is 0.650, give a significant value sig (2 –

tailer of 0.000.). Thus, using an alpha value of a = 0.01, result shows that the p-value is less than

the significant value, i.e. (0.00 < 0.01) which gives much evidence for the rejection of the null

hypothesis.

Conclusion

According to the result obtained above, the alternative hypothesis which states that, there is a

significant effect of farmers-herders conflict on socio-political stability in West Africa is

accepted.

Hypothesis Two

Ho: There are no significant factors responsible for the continued hostility between farmers

and herders in Nigeria.

Ho1: There are significant factors responsible for the continues hostility between farmers and

herders in Nigeria.

Table 8: Correlation Test

N Correlation Sig.
Factors responsible for continued hostility
38
 Pair II and 115 0.750 0.000
Farmers and herders in Nigeria.

Source: Field Survey, 2023

Decision Rule

Reject the null hypothesis when significant value is (0.01) less than p-value of a = 0.01, and

accept the alternative hypothesis. However, if the p-value is less than 0.01 sig level, then the null

hypothesis is rejected and the alternative is accepted.

Decision

The table relatively shows that the correlation value is 0.750, given a significant value0.000.

Thus, using an alpha value of a = 0.01, result shows that the p-value is less than the significant

value, i.e. (0.00 < 0.01) which gives much evidence for the rejection of the null hypothesis.

Conclusion

According to the result obtained above, the alternative hypothesis which states that, there are

significant factors responsible for the continued hostility between farmers and herders in Nigeria

is accepted.

Hypothesis Three

Ho: There are no significant measures put in place by Nigerian government in resolving the

farmers – herders conflict.

H1: There are significant measures put in place by Nigerian government in resolving the

farmers – herders conflict.

39
Table 9: Correlation Test

N Correlation Sig.
Measures put in place by Nigerian government
115 0.750 0.000
Pair III and
Resolving farmers – herders conflict

Source: Field Survey, 2023

Decision Rule

Reject the null hypothesis when significant value is (0.01) less than p-value of a = 0.01, and

accept the alternative hypothesis. However, if the p-value is less than 0.01 sig level, then the null

hypothesis is rejected and the alternative is accepted.

Decision

The table relatively shows that the correlation value is 0.750, given a significant value sig (2-

tailed) of 0.000. Thus, using an alpha value of a = 0.01, result shows that the p-value is less than

the significant value, i.e. (0.00 < 0.01) which gives much evidence for the rejection of the null

hypothesis.

Conclusion

According to the result obtained above, the alternative hypothesis which states that, there is a

significant measures put in place by Nigerian government in resolving farmers – herders conflict

is accepted.

Hypothesis Four

40
Ho: There is no significant reason why farmers - herders conflict in Nigeria affects the

security situations in West Africa.

H1: There is a significant reason why farmers - herders conflict in Nigeria affects the security

situations in West Africa.

Table 10: Correlation Test

N Correlation Sig.
Farmers – herders conflict in Nigeria
115 0.650 0.000
Pair IV and
Security situations in West Africa

Source: Field Survey, 2023

Decision Rule

Reject the null hypothesis when significant value is (0.01) less than p-value of a = 0.01, and

accept the alternative hypothesis. However, if the p-value is less than 0.01 sig level, then the null

hypothesis is rejected and the alternative is accepted.

Decision

The table relatively shows that the correlation value is 0.650, given a significant value sig (2-

tailed) of 0.000. Thus, using an alpha value of a = 0.01, result shows that the p-value is less than

41
the significant value, i.e. (0.00 < 0.01) which gives much evidence for the rejection of the null

hypothesis.

Conclusion

According to the result obtained above, the alternative hypothesis which states that, there is a

significant reason why farmers – herders conflict in Nigeria affect the security situations in West

Africa is accepted.

4.3 Discussion of Findings

The findings as to the effect of farmers – herders conflict on the socio-political stability in West

Africa, there is a rising incidence of destruction of critical infrastructure and displacement of

millions in the sub-region; and national governments in the region now concentrate on fighting

insecurity, resulting in governance deficit.

Regarding the factors responsible for the continued hostility between farmers and herders in

Nigeria herders encroach on farm lands, with their cattle destroying crops and other farm outputs

and grazing routes have always been blocked by farmers to safeguard their farms.

In respect of the measures put in place by Nigerian government in resolving farmers – herders

conflict, the government has proposed establishing “cattle colonies”, in order to set aside land for

herders across the country and government has deployed additional police and army units, and

launched two military operations to curb the conflict in six states.

42
As regards why the farmers – herders conflict in Nigeria affects the security situation in West

Africa, Nigeria has the largest agricultural output and the largest number of cattle in the sub-

region, and plays a significant role in the socio-economic development of West Africa; and

Nigeria is the largest commercial hub in the sub-region and serves as a facilitator of trade and

commerce to other countries in the sub-region.

The major findings indicate that water scarcity, which technically has been responsible for

insufficient grazing of land has led to violent conflict among farmers and herders, since both of

them always need water for sustaining their vocations (Ahmed, 2020). The continuous conflicts

between farmers and herders are mostly as a result of the destruction of farmland by the cattle.

And the contamination of water by the cattle, and indiscriminate defecation by the cattle have not

in any way helped to resolve the problem. On the part of the herdsmen, then have disregard for

the traditional authority of their host communities. On the part of host community, then usually

harass the herders. The loss of cattle and crops as well as increase in transportation, cost in post

conflict area has increased poverty and food insecurity both in Nigeria and in West African sub-

region (Imo, 2020). The farmers – herders conflict has also led to unemployment and distrust

among ethnic nationalities in Nigeria. Besides, as the number of homes of farmers attacked by

herdsmen increases, food security decreases. Farmers are the primary victims in farmers –

herders conflicts and attacks. These conflicts affect the socio-economic life of the farmers and

their agricultural production activities (Idowu, 2021). The findings equally reveal that the

farmers – herders conflict in Nigeria has also affected security architecture and defence

modalities in the sub – region, as governments of various countries in West Africa now battle

with insecurity as a result of incessant farmers – herders conflicts (Ameh, 2021). These findings

are in line Folami (2019), who in his study opined that the activities of the herdsmen are a threat

43
to the economic, political and social security of a nation and a major factor associated with

under-development, because of discourages both local and foreign investments, reduces the

quality of life, destroys human and social capital, damages relationship between citizens of

various ethnic nationalities. The findings also agree with Eze (2021) who argued that farmers –

herders conflict has further threatened the development of the agricultural sector as most

Northern farmers have been killed, displaced from their native lands and their farmland

destroyed. The findings also agree with Gbaka (2019), who established that, farmers – herders

conflict has adversely impacted political stability in the sub-region.

44
REFERENCES

Ahmed, S. A. (2020). “The Dynamics of the farmers –herders conflict: Issues and Challenges”.

An International Journal of Security and Politics, vol. 394): 15 – 27.

Ameh, S. (2021). Cattle rearing and its contribution to the Nigerian Economic Analysis. Triple. A

Research Journal of Social Science and Humanity (JSSH), Vol. (1): 006 – 051.

Eniola, F. (2020). Key issues in livelihoods security of migrant Fulanis pastoralist: Empirical

Evidence from South West Nigeria AEGIS European Conference on African Studies –

African Alternatives: Initiatives and creativity beyond Current Constraints. Leiden, the

Netherlands.

Eze, B. A. (2021). Natural resources conflict in North central Nigeria: A handbook and case

studies. London/Abuja Mandaras Press/DFID (with integrated CD – ROM).

Folami, A. T. (2019). “Terror, territoriality and teh struggle for indigeneity and citizenship in

Northern Nigeria, citizenship studies, 13.4 (2019), 349 – 363.

Gbaka, E. (2019). Managing conflict between farmers and pastoralists in Benue State, Nigeria.

Pease trends: Centre for Sustainable Development and Education in Africa, vol. 2 (3): 3 –

9.

Idowu, B. (2021). Conflict and Cooperation: Fulani Relations with the Samba and Mambila

Peoples. Cambridge Anthropology, 9(2): 42 – 57.

Imo, S. M. (2020). The transformation of pastoralists and cultivators in Nigeria. Paper in press

for a special issue of the Journal Africa, ed. M. Moritz.

45
 CHAPTER FIVE

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations

5.1 Summary

Several studies have been conducted to examine the implication of farmers-herders conflict in

Nigeria on regional security in West Africa. Unfortunately, theoretical and empirical literature

has produced conflicting conclusions that need more investigation. This study sheds greater

lights on the implication of farmers-herders conflict in Nigeria on regional security in West

Africa. Against this background, chapter one expounded the bases of the research questions,

which have been tested. Chapter two was to critically examine the implication of farmers-herders

conflict in Nigeria on regional security in West Africa, through extensive review of several

literature that had explained the existing relationship between farmers-herders conflict in Nigeria

and regional security in West Africa. In this chapter, the various theories linked to the purpose of

this study were critically examined. The theories found in the literature were presented and

compared to each other. Chapter three gives an objective insight into the way and manner in

which the research was carried out. The research study made use of survey method, as the

research design, while random sampling was used as the sampling technique. Questionnaire was

the major research instrument used for the collection of data from the sample , while the data

obtained were analyzed using frequency and the simple percentage as well as research Pearson

Product Movement Correlation method.

Chapter four dealt with data presentation and analysis. This chapter analyzed each of the research

questions quantitatively. And it was concluded, after the analysis, that water scarcity, which

technically has been responsible for insufficient grazing of land has led to violent conflicts
46
among farmers amd herders, since both of them always need water for sustaining their vocations

(Ahmed, 2020). The continuous conflicts between farrmers and herders are mostly as a result of

the destruction of farmlands by cattle. And the contamination of water by the cattle, and

indiscriminate defecation by the cattle have not in any way helped to resolve the problem. The

findings also reveal that farmers-herders conflicts have led to loss in production by both the

farmers and the herders. The loss of cattle and crops as well as increase in transportation cost in

post conflict area has increased poverty and food insecurity both in Nigeria and in West sub-

region (Imo, 2020). The farmers-herders conflict has also led to unemployment and distrust

among ethnic nationalities in Nigeria. Besides, as the number of homes of farmers attacked by

herdersmen increases, food security decrease. Farmers are the primary victims in farmers-herders

conflicts and attacks. These conflicts affect the socio-economic life of the farmers and their

agricultural production activities (Idowu, 2021).

Chapter five presents the summary , conclusion , and recommendations.

5.2 Conclusion

Farmers-herders conflicts in Nigeria are a series of disputes over arable land resources across

Nigeria between the mostly-Muslim Fulani herders and the mostly-Christian non-Fulani farmers.

The conflicts have been especially prominent in the Middle Belt (North Central) since the return

of democracy in 1999. Farmers-herders conflicts have led to loss in production by both the

farmers and the herders. The loss of cattle and crops, as well as increase in transportation cost in

post conflict area has increased poverty and food insecurity both in Nigeria and in West African

sub-region. The farmers-herders conflict has also led to unemployment and distrust among ethnic

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nationalities in Nigeria. The farmers-herders conflict in Nigeria has also affected security

architecture and defence modalities in the sub-region, as governments of various countries in

West Africa now battle with insecurity as a result of incessant farmers-herders conflicts. The

activities of the herdsmen are a threat to the economic, political, and social security of a nation

and a major factor associated with underdevelopment, because it discourages both local and

foreign investments, reduces the quality of life, destroys human and social capital, damages

relationship between citizens of various ethnic nationalities. The farmers-herders conflict has

further threatened the development of the agricultural sector as most Northern farmers have been

killed, displaced from their native lands and their farmlands destroyed. Farmers-herders conflict

has adversely impacted political stability in the sub-region. There is a strong need for the Federal

Government of Nigeria to holistically address the farmers-herders hostility, in order to save

Nigeria and the sub-region from socio-economic and political disaster.

5.3 Recommendations

On the basis of the findings of this study, the following have been recommended:-

i) Herders should be encouraged to adopt the use of animal trackers. There are different types of

animal trackers that herdsmen can use for effective monitoring of their animals during grazing.

Since farmers complain about animals grazing on their crops, with these trackers, herders can

prevent their animals from eating farmers' crops.

ii) Government of various states in Nigeria, particularly in the North should establish grazing

reserves.

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iii) Federal Government should put adequate measures in place to reduce vulnerability of

affected persons through community-based strategies that enhance the ability of communities to

identify and mitigate risks.

iv) Government of states should put effective modalities in place to prevent violent conflicts and

build peace through committees that foster dialogue, reconciliation and social cohesion.

v) The government should develop a database containing the boimetrics of farmers and cattle

owners in Nigeria. Farmers and herders should have a unique identification number for proper

referencing and data-driven policies. The data can be generated using mobile phones or through

the use of a register at the local government authority. Whenever a herder enters a community, he

should document his presence at the local government authority and also sign out when leaving.

In this way, offenders can be tracked and prosecuted.

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