HERDER–FARMERS CONFLICT AND ITS IMPLICATION ON FOOD SECURITY IN BENUE SOUTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT, BENUE STATE, NIGERIA.
Enogela, Ochowoche Anthony , Abdullahi Yahaya Adadu, PhD and Usman Yusuf Alhaji, PhD
Volume 14 Issue 1
Abstract
This study examines Herder–Farmers Conflict and Its mpact on Food Security in Benue South Senatorial District, Benue State, Nigeria. In recent years, persistent clashes between crop farmers and pastoralists have emerged as a major threat to agricultural productivity, rural livelihoods, and food security, particularly within Nigeria’s Middle Belt region. These conflicts are largely driven by competition over scarce natural resources such as land and water, further intensified by population growth, climate change, desertification, and the southward migration of pastoralists. Consequently, agrarian communities in the study area have experienced widespread insecurity, displacement, and disruption of farming activities, thereby undermining food production and socio-economic stability. The paper is motivated by the need to provide empirical evidence on how these conflicts affect food security outcomes in the region. It adopts a survey research design, with structured questionnaires administered to a sample of 420 respondents drawn from key stakeholder groups, including farmers and community leaders. The responses were analyzed using statistical packaged for the social sciences Structural Equation Modeling (SPSS) 400 were returned to examine the relationships between farmer–herder conflict variables and food security indicators The findings reveal that farmer–herder conflict has had a significant and multidimensional impact on food security in Benue South Senatorial District. Key effects include the destruction of crops due to livestock encroachment, displacement of farming households, decline in labour availability, reduction in household income, and restricted access to markets and agricultural inputs. These factors collectively contribute to reduced agricultural output, increased poverty, and widespread food insecurity, as many households resort to coping strategies such as reducing meal frequency and selling productive assets. The conflict also weakens social cohesion, increases mistrust between farmers and herders, and undermines traditional conflict resolution mechanisms. The study concludes that farmer–herder conflict is a major driver of food insecurity in the region, affecting food availability, access, and stability. It recommends strengthening rural security, enforcing land-use policies such as anti-open grazing laws, promoting ranching systems, and providing targeted support to affected farmers. Agricultural development and food security in Benue South Senatorial District. Keywords: Farmer–Herder Conflict, livestock encroachment, Crop Theft and Food Security, Benue South
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