Resource use conflict in agrarian communities, management and challenges: A case of farmer-herdsmen conflict in Kogi State, Nigeria

The study examined causes of conflict and effectiveness of management strategies in agrarian communities of Kogi State, Nigeria. A total 135 crop famers and 72 herdsmen were randomly selected and used for the study. Data were collected by use of structured interview schedule, focus group discussion and personal observation. The analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and standard deviation. Results show that crop farmers attributed conflict to damage of harvested crops (M = 3.9) destruction of farmland (M = 3.6), uncontrolled grazing (M = 3.8), pollution of community water source (M = 3.6) and other counter-productive activities of herdsmen. The herdsmen indicated that conflict was caused by animal rustling (M = 4.0), blocking of water point (M = 4.0), commercialization of crop residue (M = 3.9) and similar factors that could undermined livelihood goals of herdsmen. Farmers opined that about 88% of conflict management strategies were effective, while the herdsmen indicated that all (100%) the management strategies employed were effective. These include use of village committees, dialogue, traditional rulers and other social and institutional strategies. However, respondents indicated that effective management of conflict was constrained by poor funding, lack of institutional supports by government and cooperation of disputants. The study recommends that there should be adequate financial and institutional supports by government to rural institutions involved in the management of conflict for greater commitment and accountability. More importantly, institutionalized policy reforms targeting common structural issues like social, politics, environment and inequality/marginalization should be enacted and promoted by the government.