PROMOTING PEACE AND REDUCING CONFLICTS BETWEEN FARMERS AND HERDERS IN NIGERIA: CHALLENGES, OPTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Abstract

The study is purely on promoting peace and reducing conflicts between farmers and herders
in Nigeria. The objectives of this study are to assess the challenges, opportunities and
solutions in promoting peace and reducing conflicts between farmers and herders in
Nigeria; to analyze the root causes of conflicts between farmers and herders in Nigeria; and
to determine the challenges faced in promoting peace and reducing conflicts between
farmers and herders in Nigeria. This is a conceptualized study. The study is based on the
theory of Environmental Economic Theory propounded by Thomas Malthus in 18th century.
From Malthus to Neo-Malthusian theories have played a dominant role in the post-cold war
conflict and security issues. Findings showed that farmer-herder conflict in Nigeria has its
roots deeply embedded in history, dating back several centuries. In the pre-colonial era,
Nigeria's diverse ethnic groups practiced different livelihoods, with farmers engaging in
settled agriculture and herders leading nomadic lives, moving their livestock across vast
territories in search of grazing lands and water sources. The paper concluded that the rifts
between herders and farmers are such that can be eliminated to its nearest minimum. This
can only happen when the stakeholders and actors build up structures and processes of
mitigating such. The key and core root causes, challenges and peace resolution route has
been laid out which are poor governance, cattle theft, security concerns, deep-rooted
historical grievances, lack of trust and cultural and linguistic diversity. It is recommended
that the government take a lead in resolving conflicts and crisis amongst herders and
farmers by ensuring that both actors are not neglected in any aspect but carried along.