The Impact of Herdsmen-Farmers Conflict on Food Security in Benue State, Nigeria

Research Paper (postgraduate) from the year 2023 in the subject Politics - Region: Africa, grade: A+, National Open University of Nigeria (National Open University of Nigeria), course: Peace Studies and Conflicts Resolutions, language: English, abstract: The paper investigates the issue of farmers-herders' conflicts and their profound impacts on food security in Benue State, Nigeria. This research employs the qualitative research method, using indepth oral interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) as tools for data collection. Through an extensive examination of the conflict's causes, effects, and potential mitigation strategies, this study offers a comprehensive understanding of this complex challenge. It finds that the causes of these conflicts are diverse, ranging from illegal encroachments into farmlands, climate change, population growth, and inadequacies in government policies. These root causes have far-reaching implications for food security in the region. The effects of farmers-herders' conflicts on food security are dire. Loss of human lives, mass displacement, land degradation, and increased hunger have been identified as the significant consequences. These effects compound an already fragile food security situation in Benue State, rendering it a matter of critical concern. In response to these challenges, this research proposes a multifaceted approach to mitigate the conflict's impact on food security. This includes enlightenment campaigns for value reorientation, the replacement of offensive terms and policies, the formation of open public forums for discussions, the avoidance of hate speeches, and the implementation of an effective land distribution approach. These strategies are aimed at fostering unity and understanding between farmers and herders, leading to sustainable peace and ultimately enhancing food security in Benue State.