Effectiveness of role of local government peace and security committee (PSC) in farmer pastoralist conflict prevention in Ibadan/ Ibarapa agricultural zone of Oyo State, Nigeria

N S Sangotegbe,A B Oguntoyinbo,J O Oluwasusi

doi:10.4038/tare.v17i3-4.5312

N S Sangotegbe, A B Oguntoyinbo + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.4038/tare.v17i3-4.5312

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Abstract

Conflict resolution approach of Local Government Peace and Security Committee (PSC) set up in Ibarapa area of Oyo state is pertinent and exemplary to the realization of the important goal of a food secured country and achievement of sustainable agricultural development policy in the country. The study examined stakeholders’ effectiveness of role of Local Government PSC in preventing farmer-pastoralist conflicts in Ibadan/ Ibarapa Agricultural zone of Oyo State, Nigeria. A total of 170 respondents (86 farmers and 84 pastoralists) were selected through a multi-stage sampling procedure. Data were analysed by descriptive statistics, chi-square and Correlation. Majority (80.3%) were below 50 years of age. There were more males than females. Destruction of crops, water pollution and competition for land were the main causes of farmer-pastoralist conflicts. Respondents were aware of preventive measures of payment of fines by the violators (81.2%), formation of local community associations (77.1%) likewise education of herders and farmers (76.5%) as measures adopted for conflict resolution. Sex, religion, educational status, marital status and age were significantly related to perceived effectiveness of roles of PSC. Cattle rustling (r=0.208), destruction of crops (r = 0.170), female harassment (r = 0.180) and water pollution (r =0.275) showed positive and significant relationship with perceived effectiveness of PSC. The t-test result shows that the perception of farmers (Mean = 66.93) and pastoralists (Mean = 77.93) were significantly different (t = -59) in terms the effectiveness of roles of the PSC committee. Measures used by the PSC were not effective enough, more pro-active measures to resolve farmer-herder conflicts should be incorporated through a participatory approach.

Highlights

Conflict in communities inhibits the process of wellbeing and development
The average age of the respondents implies that many of them were in their active ages and are likely to be aware of the pastoralist-farmers conflict scenarios
It is drawn from the study that the perceived causes of conflicts between farmers and pastoralists are destruction of crops, cattle rustling, water pollution emanating from competition for the natural resources in the environment, while female harassment and water pollution have been addressed with some degrees of effectiveness

Summary

Introduction

Conflict in communities inhibits the process of wellbeing and development. Conflict is that form of social interaction in which the actors seek to obtain scarce resources by eliminating or weakening their contenders (Ekong, 2003). Conflict between farmers and pastoralists has always been a common feature of economic livelihood in West Africa (Tonah, 2006). Pastoralists bring their cattle from the arid and semi-arid areas to the forest zones in which Ibarapa Local Government Area is situated, in search for pastures that is available almost throughout the year. Prior to the beginning of the 20th century, clashes were not experienced in Ibarapa Agricultural zone in general. This is because pastoralists kept their animals away from farming area most of the time and reduce the incidence of livestock

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