Conflict triggers between farming and pastoral communities in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine contemporary factors underlying farmers and pastoralists’ conflict in Nasarawa state. These two communities had rosy and symbiotic relationships which have transmogrified into sour tales of mutual suspicion, destruction, deaths and violence.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploratory research design was used. Data was collected using qualitative tools of data collection such as in-depth interview (IDI) and key informant (KII) guides to extract responses from farmers and pastoralists.

Findings

In a bid to end the conflicts between these two groups, Benue State Government enacted the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law also known as anti-open grazing law in 2018. Although the law altered the conflict landscape in Benue, it recorded trans-territorial backlashes in the neighbouring Nasarawa State where herdsmen relocated. The relocation of herders to Nasarawa State, setting up of livestock guards to check open grazing by pastoralists, rumour and politics triggered contemporary violent conflicts between these groups.

Originality/value

As against existing studies, this study examines contemporary trigger of the conflict.

Citation

Tade, O. and Yikwabs, Y.P. (2020), "Conflict triggers between farming and pastoral communities in Nasarawa State, Nigeria", Journal of Aggression, Conflict and Peace Research, Vol. 12 No. 3, pp. 101-114. https://doi.org/10.1108/JACPR-10-2019-0448