FARMER-CATTLE HERDSMEN CONFLICTS: CAUSES, MANAGEMENT AND IMPLICATIONS ON AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM IN AYAMELUM LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper was born out of fear and anger; Anger over the resource-based conflict between farmers and cattle herdsmen, which thereafter undermines the growth of agricultural system in Nigeria. Fear over the vandalization of crops and valuable properties of farmers by cattle that may escalate to war in totality, if not well managed. Sequel to this, the paper reviewed the various states that were prone to conflict, conflict itself as a concept and also the conflict between farmers and cattle herdsmen and asserted that conflict could be manifested in various forms. The implications of conflicts on agricultural system were also reviewed and suggested the various ways in which such conflict could be resolved. However, analytical approach was used in this paper by discussing the studies of herder-farmer conflicts in various states that escalated and resulted in multiple deaths.