Perceived Impact of Farmers-Herders Conflict on Food Availability in North Central Nigeria

Abstract

The study explored perceived impacts of farmer–herder conflict on food availability in North Central Nigeria from the perspectives of farmers in the region. Specifically, it determined perceived impacts of the conflict on: food production; food distribution; and accessibility of food to households. The study adopted survey research design. Area of the study was North Central Nigeria, including Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau states. Population was made up of 7755000 heads of farming households in the region. A semi-structured interview guide was used for data collection. Data were organized into frequencies and percentages. Findings reveal among others, that majority (94.2%) of participants abandoned their farms due to threats from herdsmen and opportunists; 74.2 percent did not cultivate farmlands in interior places due to fear of attacks; and 94.2 percent experienced reduced farm labour due to youths fleeing conflict areas for safer locations. All participants (100%) reported unsafe roads; food price inflation due to increased transportation fares; and food scarcity. Seven recommendations were made based on the findings.