A STUDY OF THE CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF HERDERS-FARMERS CRISIS IN AGADAMA, DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Herders-Farmersviolent clashes in Nigeria, have gotten worse in the last six years. Violence has progressed tremendously, from sporadic outbursts and small squabbles to meticulously planned attacks in which an army of trained citizens wipes out entire village. The forced movement of herders to the central and southern regions has resulted in a competition for few environmental resources with farmers already existing in those areas, which has resulted in bloodshed. This study therefore, examines the Causes and Effects of Herders-Farmers Crisis in Agadama, Delta State, Nigeria. The study adopted the frustration aggression theory to explain the causes of herders-farmers crisis and its effect. The study adopts the descriptive research design approach. Primary and secondary data were gathered concurrently to provide answers to the research questions in a quantitative manner. A total of 400 questionnaire were administered on herders and farmers; 200 for herders and 200 for farmers respectively; however, only 345 questionnaires were returned completed. The study revealed that destruction of crops (4.06), stealing of farm produce (3.84), and killing of herders (3.79) are among the most predominant causes of herders-farmers crisis in Agadama. The study also established reduction in farm output (4.15), displacement of farmers/herders (3.78), and reduction in farmers’ income as the major socioeconomic impact of herders-farmers crisis in Agadama, Delta State. The study concludes that the causes of herders-farmers crisis are mainly as a result of economic issues. Therefore, adequate conflict prevention and resolution mechanism should be put in place to refrain from further crisis between the herders and farmers.