Analysis on the Effect of Headsmen Crisis on the Growth of Poverty among the Small Holder Farmers in the Affected Villages of Numan, Demsa & Lamurde Local Government Area

Abstract

Poverty has remained prevalent in Nigeria, especially among farmers. This study identifies the effect of the headmen’s crisis on the growth of poverty among smallholder farmers in Numan, Demsa, and Lamurde Local Government Areas of Adamawa State, Nigeria. A total of 138 respondents were randomly sampled from twelve communities in three LGAs of the area. Data were collected using questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics. A binary logit regression model was used to identify the effects of poverty in the area. The results reveal that the majority (34.7%) of the respondents are less than 50 years of age and are mostly educated (89.1%). And agriculture is their primary occupation (62.3%). About 43.5% of the respondents fall below the poverty line. The result of the binary logit model shows that household size, income affected as a result of the herder crisis, farm size, and access to farm land were significant factors in the growth of poverty in the study area. The study recommends that the government and its security agencies develop a multi-dimensional approach to mediating the herders and farmers conflict, such as being proactive in curtailing crises and making efforts to enhance the quality of lives of the people and their environment. There should be efforts to intensify civic education at grass-roots levels so that people will have a high sense of patriotism. The government should equip security personnel and their operatives to be technologically inclined and equipped, as this will help track the bad elements among the populace and in their hideouts.