Albert Science International Organization

ARTICLE DESCRIPTION: 

Terwase Shabu, Tracy Iveren Kile and Mfanyo Keziah Ukula, Effect of herdsmen-farmers conflict on livelihood assets of farming communities in Benue state, Nigeria, ASIO Journal of Humanities, Management & Social Sciences Invention (ASIO-JHMSSI), 2020, 6(1): 01-06.

• Department of Geography, Benue State University, Makurdi

Doi : 10.2016-14781119; 

DOI Link :: http://doi-ds.org/doilink/11.2020-87868264/

ABSTRACT:

Conflict threatens the livelihood assets of farming communities especially the very poor farmers because it directly affects their primary livelihood activity. Thus, the aim of this paper is to assess the effects of farmers-herdsmen conflicts on livelihood assets of farming communities in Benue state, Nigeria. The study adopted a survey design and a sample of 150 respondents was purposively selected from three most affected farming communities in Benue state. Data were collected on livelihood activities and livelihood assets (physical, natural, human, financial and social assets) from the field using structured questionnaire, while the analysis was done using descriptive statistics and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The study revealed that the conflicts between farmers and herdsmen have forced farmers out of their farming communities with resultant short and long term effects on food production and supply. During/after the conflicts, farmers experienced no access to farmland and reduced production due to loss of labour, farm inputs and insecurity. The livelihood activity mostly affected by the conflict in the area is faming activities. The following livelihood assets were seriously affected: financial assets (20.51% of variance), natural assets (15.16% of variance), physical assets (12.17% of variance), human assets (8.64% of variance), and social assets (7.63% of variance). As a result of the loss of key livelihood assets, many households changed their primary livelihood activity. The study concludes that conflict between farmers and herdsmen has serious effect on livelihood assets of farming households in the area. The study recommends a sustainable livelihood approach in conflict prone areas to enable farming communities cope with the adverse effect of farmers-herdsmen conflict. Also, ranches should be established in order to encourage herdsmen to adopt modern ways of cattle rearing and breeding.

Key words: Conflict, Livelihood, Farming Communities, Herdsmen, Farmers.

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