Evaluating the socio-economic implications of inter-communal conflicts between farmers and herders on food security in Nigeria

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the socio-economic implications of inter-communal conflicts between farmers and herdsmen on food security in Nigeria. The ongoing clashes between these two groups have had a significant impact on the nation's food production and availability, leading to food scarcity in some areas. The conflicts arise from competition over scarce resources such as water and grazing lands. The study reviews existing literature on the subject and identifies the causes and consequences of these conflicts. It also explored the implications of the conflicts for small-scale farmers and food security in Nigeria. The study adopts a political ecology theoretical framework to examine the complex interplay between political, economic, and social forces in the context of environmental issues and transformations. The researcher found that the socio-economic implications of inter-communal conflicts between farmers and herders include loss of lives, properties, and food security, displacement, poverty, economic losses, decline in GDP, increased tensions, and environmental impacts such as soil damage and water pollution. Based on the above findings, the researchers recommended that Sustainable grazing practices can improve crop productivity and plant reproduction by reducing soil damage caused by livestock. Religious organizations should promote peace and coexistence to prevent conflicts between different denominations, particularly between Muslim herders and Christian farmers. The government should provide insurance for rural farmers affected by crop damage and take legal action against perpetrators to deter similar acts.