PREVAILING FACTORS INDUCING PASTORALISTS-FARMERS CONFLICTS AMONGST COMMUNITIES IN AWKA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ANAMBRA STATE, SOUTH-EAST, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the prevailing factors inducing pastoralist–farmer conflicts among communities in Awka North Local Government Area, Anambra State, South-East Nigeria. The objectives of the study examined the nature of herder–farmer conflicts, their causes, consequences, and possible solutions for mitigating such conflicts. Four theories were reviewed, namely: conflict theory, structural functionalism theory, symbolic interactionism theory, and social disorganisation theory. However, conflict theory and structural functionalism theory were adopted as the theoretical framework. The study adopted a mixed-methods research design for data collection and analysis. A sample size of 204 respondents was used. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), employing descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, simple percentages, and charts. Qualitative data were analysed thematically using NVivo software (version 2.0).Two hypotheses were tested using the Chi-square (χ²) test statistic. The findings revealed that major causes of herder–farmer conflicts include land encroachment, destruction of crops by cattle, killing of cattle, reprisal attacks, inadequate grazing reserves, and blockage of grazing routes. The major consequences identified include destruction of farmlands, loss of lives and property, displacement of farmers, food insecurity, and reduced investment in affected communities. The study recommends, among other measures, proactive strategies such as awareness campaigns to promote peaceful coexistence between herders and farmers in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria.