Faculty
Department
Year of Publication
Publication Type
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of farmers–pastoralists conflict on the socioeconomic development of Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. The research was motivated by the increasing frequency and severity of violent clashes between sedentary farmers and nomadic pastoralists, which have disrupted livelihoods and undermined development in Benue, the “Food Basket of the Nation.” Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 399 respondents through structured questionnaires, with 120 valid responses analyzed using SPSS. Findings reveal that the major causes of the conflict include environmental degradation, shrinking grazing land, population growth, destruction of farmland, and poorly defined land boundaries. The
conflict has significantly reduced agricultural productivity, disrupted food security, and negatively affected education, healthcare, and the local economy. Schools and health facilities have been destroyed or abandoned, while displacement and insecurity have eroded social cohesion and livelihoods. The study also found that conflict resolution strategies such as the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, community dialogue, peace building initiatives, NGO interventions, sensitization campaigns, and traditional leadership involvement have been employed with varying degrees of effectiveness. It concludes that while legislative frameworks are important, sustainable peace requires integrated approaches that combine policy, grassroots dialogue, and inclusive governance. The study recommends strengthening traditional and institutional conflict resolution mechanisms, promoting sustainable land-use practices, and enhancing government and community collaboration to mitigate the conflict and foster socioeconomic development in Gwer West.
conflict has significantly reduced agricultural productivity, disrupted food security, and negatively affected education, healthcare, and the local economy. Schools and health facilities have been destroyed or abandoned, while displacement and insecurity have eroded social cohesion and livelihoods. The study also found that conflict resolution strategies such as the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, community dialogue, peace building initiatives, NGO interventions, sensitization campaigns, and traditional leadership involvement have been employed with varying degrees of effectiveness. It concludes that while legislative frameworks are important, sustainable peace requires integrated approaches that combine policy, grassroots dialogue, and inclusive governance. The study recommends strengthening traditional and institutional conflict resolution mechanisms, promoting sustainable land-use practices, and enhancing government and community collaboration to mitigate the conflict and foster socioeconomic development in Gwer West.
Supervisor(s)
co-supervisor