The Role Of Traditional Rulers In Curbing Farmer Herder Conflict In Ukum Local Government Area Of Benue State, 2011-2023

Abstract

This study interrogates the role of traditional rulers in the management of farmer herder conflict in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue state, 2011-2023 with the aim of unfolding the persistent incursion on the farming communities of Ukum LGA by the herders and the task of traditional rulers in managing it. Using Eco violence theory the study explained the inextricable link between the environment and violent conflicts between the herders and farmers n Ukum LGA. The study used the descriptive survey design. Qualitative method of data collection was adopted and the instruments for data collection were key informant interview and focus group discussion. The secondary data were gathered from text books, and journals. The method of data analysis was the explorative as the data were descriptions, accounts and experiences or feelings of the respondents. The study found that the nature of farmer herder crisis is the conflict between the economic activities of human beings for survival and the effect of the survival on the ecosystem.. the effect is the intolerable experience the indigenes are passing through as the idle youths have turned the conflict as a means of livelihood. Though the traditional rulers have been trying to curb the situation, there are challenges that are rooted in politics. The study concludes that government must be careful in selecting the traditional rulers and give them a free hand in managing the affairs of their communities. The study recommends majorly that Government must embrace the modern system of livestock farming to reduce competition over scarce environmental resources