ASSESSMENT OF CAUSES AND RESOLUTION OF CONFLICTS AMONG ARABLE CROP RODUCERS AND PASTORALISTS IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

• Omowunmi Veronica Ayodele

  Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.

  Author

Conflict is currently on the rise globally with its accompanying impacts on human, social and economic conditions. The study focus was on causes of conflicts between arable crop farmers and pastoralists and the various resolution mechanisms used in Ondo State, Nigeria. Using a multistage sampling procedure, 100 respondents consisting of 75 arable crop farmers and 25 pastoralists were used in the study. Data were collected using interview schedule and analysed using frequency and mean statistics. The findings showed that crop damage on farmland by herds (x̅=2.90), uncontrolled grazing (x̅=2.86) were the main causes of conflicts as confirmed by the farmers, while the pastoralists identified no/low pasture or grazing fields (x̅=2.92), herds banditry/rustling (x̅=2.80) as the main causes of conflicts. The use of brute force and sensitization on the need for peaceful coexistence were prominent medium used by both parties for conflict resolution, while poor communication was seen as a major constraint. The study recommended the use of sensitization and education of conflicting parties on peaceful co-existence by regulatory bodies, peace corps and extension agents.

1. Omowunmi Veronica Ayodele, Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.

   Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.

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