PERCEIVED EFFECTS OF FARMERS-HERDERS’ CONFLICTS ON ARABLE CROP FARMERS’ PRODUCTION IN OSUN STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study examined the perceived effects of herdsmen-farmers’ conflicts on arable crop farmers’ production in Osun State, Nigeria. It specifically described the socio-economic characteristics of arable crop farmers, identified the perceived causes of herdsmen-farmers’ conflicts, and examined the perceived effects of herdsmen-farmers’ conflicts. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 270 arable crop farmers for the study. A well-structured interview schedule was used to collect data from the arable crop farmers. Data collected were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean, standard deviation, and weighted mean scores. The results reveal that the mean age of the arable crop farmers was 51±8.2 years majority, (80.7%) of the arable crop farmers were males, a majority (88.5%) were married, the mean household size was 8 ± 3 persons and almost all (99.3%) had no insurance for their farm crops. Perceived causes of herdsmen-farmers conflicts were negligence of underage children in managing cattle (x̅ =2.65) and disregard for traditional authority by herders (x̅ =2.57). Perceived effects of herdsmen-farmers conflicts were a reduction in the income of farmers (x̅ =2.72) and a reduction in farm yield (x̅ =2.66). The study concluded that herdsmen-farmers’ conflicts have negative effects on the arable crop farmers’ production; such effects as a reduction in the income of farmers and a reduction in farm yield. The study recommended that government and stakeholders should lessen the perceived effects of herders-farmers conflicts so as to enhance food security in the state and in the country at large.