Impact Of Farmer-Herder Conflict On Agricultural Productivity In Nasarawa South Senatorial Zone (2010-2020)

• Abdullahi Abubakar Marafa

  College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Lafia

  Author

This study assessed the impact of farmer-herder conflict on agricultural productivity in the southern senatorial zone of Nasarawa State between 2010 and 2020. Data were sourced from both primary and secondary materials through quantitative and documentary analysis. The research is anchored in the Environmental Scarcity Theory, which explains farmer-herder conflicts in terms of resource scarcity and the resulting competition over access and control. The findings reveal that, despite persistent conflict, the zone has maintained a relatively steady rate of agricultural productivity, as evidenced by statistical data from the Nasarawa State Agricultural Development Agency. The study identified the specific impacts of the conflict, including the destruction of crops and farmlands, displacement of farming populations, and widespread loss of lives and property among both farmers and herders. These consequences have contributed to fluctuations in average annual productivity. However, despite these challenges, the overall trend in agricultural productivity remains positive. This resilience is attributed to factors such as increasing agricultural commercialization, supportive government policies, and the interventions of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) promoting agricultural development. The study recommends that the government adopt a more proactive, community-based approach to conflict management and fully implement the National Livestock Transformation Plan. Additionally, it suggests enhancing other determinants of agricultural productivity, such as capital and technology, while pursuing sustainable and innovative strategies to permanently resolve the farmer-herder conflict in Nasarawa State. The study concluded that the conflict affected production capabilities. However, some form of agricultural incentives/assistance to farmers have continued to help the state to maintain relative overall productivity ratio.

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