Abstract

A. U. Ofuoku and B. I. Isife

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.