Effects of Farmers-Herders Clashes on the Supply and Demand of Foodstuffs: A Case Study of Selected States in Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the effects of farmers-herders clashes on foodstuffs supply and demand in Nigeria with special reference to Oyo, Benue, and Ebonyi States in Nigeria. The institutional and environmental factors influencing the clashes, associated effects on foodstuffs supply and demand, and the relevance of management options including modern cattle ranching were explored with the use of the descriptive research approach. The study employed well-structured questionnaire to collect data from 582 farmers in villages across the States. Findings of the study indicated that the farmers-herders clashes involving conflicts over land, water resources, and grazing continue to have significant effect on foodstuffs supply and demand in Nigeria. These have affected agricultural activities and the overall food production system in Nigeria. Addressing these clashes requires a holistic and multi-faceted approach that involves collaboration among government agencies, local communities, civil society organisations, and international partner through careful planning, community engagement, and focus on sustainability to ensure long-term benefits for both food production and economic development. The study therefore recommends Government active adoption of a bottom-top approach to policy decisions that facilitate dialogue and mediation between farmers and herders through engagement of community leaders, religious figures, and local authorities to hold the clashes at bay and sustainably increase foodstuffs supply and demand in Nigeria. Keywords: Foodstuffs, Clashes, Herders, Farmers. Demands, Supply, Nigeria Journal Reference Format: Adewale, A.O. & Ishaku, A. (2023): Effects of Farmers-Herders Clashes on the Supply and Demand of Foodstuffs: A Case Study of Selected States in Nigeria. Humanities, Management, Arts, Education & the Social Sciences Journal. Vol. 11. No. 3, Pp 59-68. www.isteams.net/humanitiesjournal. dx.doi.org/10.22624/AIMS/HUMANITIES/V11N3P5