SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF HERDERS-FARMERS CONFLICT IN ANAMBRA STATE: A STUDY OF SELECTED COMMUNITIES IN AWKA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ANAMBRA STATE, SOUTH-EAST, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the socio-economic impacts of herders–farmers conflict in Anambra State, with a focus on selected communities in Awka North LGA. The study objectives examined the prevailing nature of the herders–farmers conflict, its causes, consequences, and possible solutions for mitigating it. Four theories were reviewed, namely: Conflict Theory, Structural Functionalism Theory, Symbolic Interactionism Theory, and Social Disorganisation Theory. 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. The quantitative data collected were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and presented using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, simple percentages, and charts. The qualitative data were analyzed thematically using NVivo software (Version 2.0). Two hypotheses were tested using the Chi-square (χ²) test statistic. The results indicate, among others, that the major causes of herders–farmers conflict include land encroachment, destruction of crops by cattle, killing of cattle, reprisal attacks, inadequate grazing reserves, and blockage of grazing routes. Also, the major consequences of herders–farmers conflict include destruction of farmlands, loss of lives and property, displacement of local farmers, food insecurity, and discouragement of investors. The study recommends proactive measures such as awareness creation on the need for peaceful coexistence between herders and farmers in Awka North LGA, Anambra State, Nigeria.