Herders–Crop Farmers Conflicts in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Prospects

Abstract

Conflicts between herders and crop farmers have emerged as one of the most persistent security and development challenges in Nigeria. Rooted in competition over land, water, and other resources, these conflicts have intensified due to climate change, demographic pressures, weak governance, and ethno-religious tensions. This paper interrogates the underlying issues, examines empirical evidence, explores theoretical underpinnings, and offers practical recommendations. Using a mixed-method approach that combines secondary data, content analysis of existing reports, and survey findings, the study reveals that herder–farmer conflicts are driven primarily by scarcity of arable land, desertification, encroachments into grazing routes, and political manipulation of identity cleavages. Findings indicate devastating socio-economic costs, including displacement, loss of lives, disruption of livelihoods, food insecurity, and the erosion of intercommunal trust. Several tables and case illustrations are presented to highlight trends across regions. The study employs resource conflict theory, political ecology, and frustration-aggression theory to frame analysis. Results show that sustainable solutions must combine security enforcement with inclusive land tenure reforms, climate adaptation strategies, and participatory peacebuilding frameworks. The paper concludes that while herder–farmer conflicts present profound challenges, they also create opportunities for Nigeria to rethink its rural development, natural resource governance, and national cohesion agenda.