Perceived Effects of Farmer-Herder Conflicts on the Livelihoods of Farming Households in Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the perceived effects of farmer-herder conflicts on the livelihoods of farming households in Oyo State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 280 respondents comprising 152 crop farmers and 128 herders. Primary data were collected using a structured interview schedule. Descriptive statistics were used to describe causes of farmer-herder conflicts, effects of farmer-herder conflicts on the livelihoods of farming households, and mitigation measures for resolution of farmer-herder conflicts. Pearson Product-Moment Correlation (r), regression coefficient (β) and t-test analyses were employed to test the study hypotheses. Economic effects of farmer-herder conflicts ranked highest among farmers (Weighted Mean Score, WMS = 4.69) and herders (WMS= 4.05). The major effects on livelihoods included reduced crop and livestock production (β = -0.652), and increased production costs (β = -0.365). Significant relationships existed between selected socioeconomic characteristics and the perceived effects of farmer-herder conflicts on livelihoods, including age (farmers: r = - 0.712, p = 0.021; herders: r = -0.613, p = 0.032), years of formal education (farmers: r = -0.693, p = 0.023; herders: r = -0.440, p = 0.028). Crop farmers reported significantly greater perceived livelihood effects than herders (t = 8.15, p < 0.05). The study concludes that persistent farmer-herder conflicts undermine sustainable agricultural production and livelihood resilience. The study recommends the promotion of ranching systems and strengthened conflict-resolution mechanisms to enhance agricultural production and improve the resilience of farming households in Oyo State, Nigeria.

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