Pastoralists and farmers conflict in Benue state: Changes in climate in northern Nigeria as a contributing factor

Abstract

Studies show that the skirmish between Fulani pastoralists and farmers is primarily a dispute over water and land use. A need for increased agricultural production and expanded grazing pastures has increased the demand for land. This conflict stands out because of the boldness of the combatants and the various proposed explanations for its cause. While many studies have simplified this crisis into grazing, farming, and water disputes, it is imperative to acknowledge that climate change has offset the balance in distributing these resources. While farmers fault the Fulani herders for failing to control their animals, leading to crop damage, the Fulani herders complain to the government, indicating that farmers are attacking them with the intention of stealing their animals. The findings revealed how climate change in northern Nigeria escalated this conflict. These results suggest that urgent measures are needed before these conflicts destabilise the state.