EFFECT OF HERDERS-FARMERS CONFLICT ON FOOD SECURITY IN BASSA COMMUNITY, KOKONA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF NASARAWA STATE

Abstract

The study is designed to assess the impact of Herders-Farmers Conflict on Food Security in Bassa Community, Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. The study employed a social survey design to collect data from a large population by using a representative sample to generalize. The data collected were analyzed using simple percentages and results were narrated descriptively and tabulated according to the response area of the questionnaires collected. The study found that the struggle over land between farmers and herdsmen has affected crop production and the violent clashes between farmers and herders have greatly denied the people of Bassa access to quality, safe water, fish ponds, and enough food supply within and outside the community. Based on the findings, the study recommended that conflict management committees should be set up by the government to collaborate with farmers and herdsmen’s unions and associations in creating comprehensive awareness and compliance with designated stock routes. Proper modalities should be put in place by the government to ensure a total end to these violent clashes between farmers and herders.