The Crisis between Herdsmen and Farmers (A Case Study of Benue State 2015-2017)

1.1 Introduction

A crisis refers to a critical situation or a time of intense conflict and instability that poses a significant threat to social, economic, or political order. In the context of this study, the crisis between herdsmen and farmers involves violent clashes over land, resources, and livelihoods, leading to loss of life, displacement, and the disruption of local economies (Okpara, 2017). The crisis between herdsmen and farmers in Nigeria, particularly in Benue State, has become one of the most pressing socio-political and economic challenges in recent years. Between 2015 and 2017, the conflict escalated significantly, resulting in widespread destruction of lives and property, displacement of communities, and long-term disruption of agricultural activities.

As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of terms.

1.2 Background of Study

The crisis between herdsmen and farmers in Nigeria represents a long-standing conflict that has shaped the socio-economic and cultural dynamics of many regions in the country. In Benue State, known for its rich agricultural heritage, the clash between these two groups has escalated over the years, particularly from 2015 to 2017. At its core, the conflict arises from competing claims over land and resources, a tension that has worsened due to environmental, political, and demographic pressures.

Historically, herdsmen, predominantly of Fulani origin, have practiced nomadic pastoralism, relying on expansive grazing routes to sustain their livestock. Farmers, on the other hand, depend on the same land for crop cultivation, which forms the backbone of their livelihood. Traditionally, these groups coexisted through informal agreements and mutual understanding. However, shifts in climatic conditions, such as desertification and dwindling pasturelands in northern Nigeria, have forced herders to migrate southward in search of greener pastures, bringing them into frequent conflict with farming communities in the Middle Belt, including Benue State (Bello, 2013).

Benue State's geographical and economic significance as the “Food Basket of the Nation” amplifies the impact of the crisis. The state's fertile lands are crucial for the cultivation of staple crops like yam, cassava, and rice. Yet, these same lands have increasingly become contested spaces, leading to violent clashes over grazing and farming rights. Between 2015 and 2017, the conflict reached alarming proportions, with reports of armed attacks, destruction of farmlands, and large-scale displacement of communities. The violence not only disrupted the lives of individuals but also posed severe threats to food security, economic stability, and inter-ethnic harmony (Okoli & Atelhe, 2014). Weak governance and a lack of enforceable policies further exacerbated the crisis. While efforts like the 2017 Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law were introduced to address the issue, implementation challenges and resistance from affected parties limited their effectiveness. Additionally, the proliferation of small arms and the rise of militia groups heightened the intensity of the clashes, turning localized disputes into broader conflicts with national implications (International Crisis Group, 2018).

Benue State, often referred to as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” is predominantly agrarian, with vast arable land that supports the livelihoods of its farmers. However, this same land serves as vital grazing routes for pastoralists, particularly the Fulani herdsmen, whose nomadic lifestyle depends heavily on unrestricted access to pasture and water. This dual dependency on the land has led to recurring disputes, fueled by dwindling natural resources, population growth, and a lack of clearly defined land ownership or grazing policies (Adamu & Ben, 2017). The intensity of the crisis during the period under study was unprecedented. Reports indicate that violent clashes led to significant loss of lives and widespread displacement, forcing thousands into internally displaced persons (IDP) camps (International Crisis Group, 2018). The conflict also had severe implications for food security, as many farmers were unable to cultivate their fields due to insecurity, while herders faced restrictions on their grazing movements.

Therefore, in Nigeria the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the crisis between herdsmen and farmers.

1.3 Statement of Problems

Investigation revealed that the absence of clearly demarcated grazing routes and functional grazing reserves is resulting in the encroachment of farmland, leading to disputes that often escalate into violence. Additionally, the lack of enforcement mechanisms for conflict resolution laws, such as the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of 2017, is failing to address the root causes of the crisis, leaving communities vulnerable to further clashes (Adetula, 2018).

Furthermore, reports indicate that herders and local militias are engaging in armed confrontations, resulting in significant loss of life and property. This violence is creating a climate of fear, forcing many residents to abandon their homes and farmlands, thereby worsening food insecurity and economic instability in Benue State (International Crisis Group, 2018). Hence, the undertaking of this research work will fill in the gap by examining the factors driving the crisis in Benue State, its impacts on affected communities, and the efforts made to address the conflict during the specified period.

1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study

The aim of the study is to critically examine the crisis between herdsmen and farmers in Benue State from 2015 to 2017. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:

1. To evaluate the effectiveness of policies and interventions, such as the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, in mitigating the conflict.
2. To identify the challenges faced in resolving the crisis and propose strategies for achieving long-term peace and stability.
3. To investigate the underlying factors contributing to the conflict between herdsmen and farmers in Benue State.
4. To assess the socio-economic and security implications of the crisis on affected communities.
5. To contribute to the broader discourse on land-use management and conflict resolution in Nigeria.

1.5 Research Questions

The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:

• What are the underlying factors contributing to the conflict between herdsmen and farmers in Benue State?
• What are the socio-economic and security implications of the crisis on affected communities in Benue State?
• How effective are policies and interventions, such as the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, in mitigating the conflict?
• What challenges are faced in resolving the herdsmen and farmers crisis in Benue State?
• What strategies can be proposed for achieving long-term peace and stability in the region?

1.6 Research Hypothesis

In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.

• H₀1: There is no significant relationship between the challenges faced in resolving the herdsmen and farmers crisis and the persistence of the conflict in Benue State.
• H₀2: The underlying factors contributing to the herdsmen and farmers crisis in Benue State significantly impact the socio-economic and security conditions of affected communities.

1.7 Significance of Study

The study will contribute significantly to understanding the complex dynamics of the herdsmen and farmers crisis in Benue State, providing valuable insights into its root causes and consequences. It will also serve as a resource for researchers and academics seeking to explore similar conflicts in other regions, fostering a deeper understanding of land-use management and resource-based disputes.

Additionally, this research will enhance awareness among policymakers, stakeholders, and the public about the socio-economic and security impacts of the conflict, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable solutions.

Furthermore, the study will promote peaceful coexistence by identifying practical solutions to the challenges faced in managing the conflict. It will also offer strategies that will strengthen social cohesion and support the development of frameworks for long-term stability and security in Benue State and beyond.

1.8 Scope of Study

The scope of the research is focused on the crisis between herdsmen and farmers using Benue State 2015-2017 as a case study.

1.9 Limitations of the Study

During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:

1. Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
2. Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
3. Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.

1.10 Definition of Terms

Crisis:

A crisis refers to a critical situation or a time of intense conflict and instability that poses a significant threat to social, economic, or political order. In the context of this study, the crisis between herdsmen and farmers involves violent clashes over land, resources, and livelihoods, leading to loss of life, displacement, and the disruption of local economies (Okpara, 2017).

Herdsmen:

Herdsmen are individuals who rear livestock, primarily cattle, and move them from one place to another in search of grazing land and water. In the Nigerian context, herdsmen, particularly those from the Fulani ethnic group, are often involved in the nomadic practice of grazing their cattle, which frequently brings them into conflict with farmers over land use and resources (Olawumi, 2018).

Farmers:

Farmers are individuals who engage in the cultivation of crops for food, cash, or other agricultural products. In the herdsmen-farmers conflict, farmers in Benue State are primarily engaged in subsistence farming, which includes growing crops such as maize, yams, cassava, and beans. These farmers rely heavily on the land for their livelihood, which often leads to conflict with herdsmen when their crops are damaged by grazing cattle (Enete & Amusa, 2016).

Land Use:

Land use refers to the manner in which land is utilized by individuals or communities for activities such as farming, grazing, housing, and industry. In the herdsmen and farmers conflict, the competition over land use is a central issue, as both parties seek access to the same land for different purposes, often leading to violent clashes (Adetula, 2018).

Grazing:

Grazing is the act of animals feeding on grass or other vegetation. In the context of this study, it refers to the practice of herdsmen allowing their livestock to feed on land, often leading to disputes when such grazing affects farmland and crops grown by farmers (Olawumi, 2018).

Conflict Resolution:

Conflict resolution involves efforts and strategies aimed at resolving disputes, particularly through dialogue, negotiation, and peaceful means. In the herdsmen and farmers conflict, conflict resolution mechanisms often include mediation, legal frameworks, and government interventions, which seek to address the root causes of the conflict and promote peaceful coexistence (International Crisis Group, 2018).

Ranching:

Ranching is the practice of raising livestock, particularly cattle, on a designated area of land, where the animals are kept in a controlled environment. In response to the herdsmen and farmers crisis, ranching is being promoted as a solution to reduce open grazing and minimize conflicts over land use (Benue State Government, 2017).

Open Grazing:

Open grazing refers to the practice of herders allowing their cattle to roam freely in search of pasture and water, often without any restrictions on where they graze. This practice is a key source of conflict in areas like Benue State, where open grazing frequently results in damage to crops and farmland (Adetula, 2018).