Farmer-Herder Conflict and Human Security in Agatu Community in Benue State

Abstract

This study seeks to investigate into Farmer-Herder Conflict and its implication on Human Security in Agatu Community. Having experienced the unpleasant event in Benue state, the state government enacted the open grazing prohibition and ranches establishment law in November 1, 2017 to prevent further escalation. Extant literature have focused on the impact, demographic implications and understanding of farmer-herder dispute. However, studies are yet to look into the conflict and it affective nature on Human security. The study adopted qualitative method research design. A sample size of 35 participants was randomly selected through Purposive sampling Technique for data collection. The researcher through open-ended interview guide and focus group discussion randomly selected participants from the communities. Content Analysis was used to analyzed data generated from respondents. Findings reveal that the conflict affected the people negatively which made some families to depend on their fellow indigenes for survival with the assistances of concerned Non Governmental Organisations. It was also revealed that Herdsmen no longer exist in Agatu community. The study concludes that nothing significant has been done by the government to assist the farmers in Agatu. The study recommends that there should be more sensitization on how to manage and resolve communal conflict through dialogue and establish ranches for Herdsmen. Keywords: Agatu, Conflict, Farmers, Herders, Human security.