From Farm to Camp: Impacts of Farmer-Herder Conflicts on Agricultural Production and Rural Livelihoods in Keana Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Farmer-herder conflicts have become a major driver of insecurity and humanitarian crises in North Central Nigeria, with profound imparts on rural settlements in Nasarawa State, particularly in Keana Local Government Area . This study examines the agricultural dimension of the impact of these conflicts, focusing on livelihood disruption, reduced food production and the transition of productive farming population to displaced camps. Drawing on a mixed-methods approach that combines key informant interviews and secondary data, the study investigates the causes, patterns, and consequences of conflict and displacement on agricultural production and rural economies in Keana LGA. The study adopted the Resource Conflict Theory and Frustration- Aggression Theory as a theoretical framework. Findings show that competition over land and water resources, climate variability, seasonal pastoral migration, and weak governance contribute to widespread crop destruction, retaliatory violence, and mass displacement of farming population, particularly women and children. Fertile farmland are abandoned due to fear, resulting in significant poor crop yields and heightened food insecurity. State response has mostly remained reactive with inadequate mechanisms for prevention, resolution, resettlement and recovery of victims’ means of livelihood. The study concludes that addressing the problem requires comprehensive interventions including legislation that enforce rights of land users, conflict resolution mechanisms, and targeted support for internally displaced persons to restore livelihood and agricultural productivity.

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