Evaluation of Effects of Farmers/Herders` Conflict on Food Security in Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

Crop and cattle production activities are important means of attaining food security in Delta State, Nigeria. But conflict between crop farmers and cattle herders is a critical impediment to food security. This study therefore examined the effect of farmers/herders` conflict on food security in Delta State, Nigeria. To achieve the set objective, primary data were collected from 15% of registered crop farmers and herders (i.e.700 respondents, comprising 500 farmers and 200 cattle herders). Multistage sampling technique complemented with purposive and snowball methods were adopted to compose the sample. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistical tools were applied to analyze collected primary data. The results revealed that farmers/herders` conflict had a statistically significant and negative relationship (P ≤ 0.05) with all identified food security indicators (food availability, food accessibility, and food affordability) among both farmers and herders. Regression results showed that crop destruction, kidnapping, killing, and rape cases significantly reduced crop productivity. The logit regression results further indicated that conflict significantly reduced the probability of farmers investing in crop enterprises. The study recommended the establishment and effective management of grazing reserves and ranching systems as a panacea for peace and food security in Delta State, Nigeria.