Land use practices and farmer–herder conflict in Agogo: dynamics of traditional authority and resistance

Abstract

The existing literature has extensively explored the causes of farmer–herder conflicts in Ghana. However, there has been limited investigation into the relationship between royal hegemony over customary lands and the persistent nature of farmer–herder conflicts in the country. This study contributes to the understanding of agrarian conflicts in Ghana by examining the interconnectedness of cultural and social practices of land access with the intractability of farmer–herder conflicts in Agogo. The study utilised a qualitative research approach, involving 33 participants recruited through maximum variation purposive sampling. Data was gathered through interviews and focus group discussions. Inductive thematic analysis revealed that social practices of land access hold greater influence than legal provisions, granting significant power over lands to traditional authorities in Agogo. We argue that the on-going intransigence of traditional rulers regarding land access, coupled with the persistent resistance from smallholder farmers through attempts to evict Fulani herders, as well as the resistance demonstrated by the Fulani herders themselves, are key factors contributing to the intractable nature of farmer–herder conflicts in Agogo. This study emphasises the need for a deeper understanding of the cultural and social dimensions underlying land access practices and their impact on farmer–herder conflicts.