Implication of Herdsmen Banditry Activities on Food Scarcity in Nigeria
Chapter One
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The general focus of this study is to examine the implication of herdsmen banditry activities on food Scarcity in Nigeria. Specifically it will
- Examine the different forms of banditry attacks on farming communities
- Determine the extent at which herdsmen banditry activities obstruct food crop production
- Investigate the implication of herdsmen banditry activities on food crop production
- Determine if herdsmen banditry activities has any significant effect on food scarcity.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
THE DYNAMICS OF FARMERS AND HERDSMEN CLASHES
All over Nigeria there is an emphasis on the need for the promotion of agriculture as an alternative to oil as a major source of national revenue. A lot of agricultural programmes are put in place by governmental and nongovernmental organization. Due to this emphasis on agricultural production, many people are going into farming; likewise more people are going into livestock and cattle breeding in particular. The effect of this agricultural surge is that there is a competition for the available land resources between farmers and herdsmen. A dimensional problem arises as cattle do graze on the farms of farmers and farmers in retaliation attacks the cows of the herdsmen. The herdsmen go on a reprisal attacks on the farmers largely because they value their cows immensely. So the attacks and reprisal attacks by farmers and herdsmen leads to destruction of lives and properties and also precipitate national disintegration. Timeline of Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria as recorded by Gbaradi (2018) showed that Fulani herdsmen killed 3,780 Nigerians in attacks across the country excluding the injured and abducted. On the other hand, farmers have killed scores of cows and Fulani herdsmen in reprisal attacks for the destruction of farms and farm produce by cows. For example, from the records of Gbaradi (2018) herdsmen invaded 2 villages in Agatu LGA in Benue state killing 8 villagers allegedly in retaliation for the killing of 112 cows.
EFFECTS OF FARMERS AND HERDSMEN CONFLICT IN NIGERIA
The insistent feud between the herdsmen and farmers in Nigeria has devastating effects on the citizens. The effect of this conflict ranges from wanton destruction of lives and properties to decline in agricultural product which is the major source of sustenance in the nation
Lose of live and properties:
In 2016 there was an estimated death toll of about 2,500 arising from herdsmen attacks (International Crises Group, 2017). Farmers and herdsmen conflicts in Nigeria have grown, spread and intensified over the past decade and today pose a threat to national survival and integration. Thousands of people have been killed, communities have been destroyed and so many farmers and herdsmen have lost their lives and property in an extended orgy of killings and destruction that is not only continuously destroying livelihoods but also affecting national cohesion (Gambari, Luther-Agwai, Ibrahim, Jega, Kwaja, Balla, Fesse, MuhammedOyebode&Ya’u, 2018). Adisa and Adekunle (2010) in a quantitative study examined farmers-Herdsmen conflict and its socio-economic implications in North Central Nigeria. Random sampling was used to select 300 farmers. The result of the study showed that greater number of farmers 64% lose quality relationship and loved once as a result of farmers and herdsmen conflict. Among the major effects of farmers and Fulani herdsmen conflict is Nigeria are destruction of properties; theft of cattle and goats; destruction of crops; physical fight with machetes and sticks; pollution of drinkable water; destruction of reservoirs and source of drinkable water; burning of rangelands, fadama1 and houses; and damages to irrigational facilities. The destruction has direct impact on the peoples’ livelihood as their economic activities are tied to these environmental resources like water, land (soil), and vegetation (herbs and food crops) (Bello, 2013).
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine Implication of herdsmen banditry activities on food scarcity in Nigeria. Selected residents in Benue state forms the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain implication of herdsmen banditry activities on food scarcity in Nigeria. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges of implication of herdsmen banditry activities on food scarcity in Nigeria
Summary
This study was on implication of herdsmen banditry activities on food scarcity in Nigeria. Four objectives were raised which included; Examine the different forms of banditry attacks on farming communities, determine the extent at which herdsmen banditry activities obstruct food crop production, Investigate the implication of herdsmen banditry activities on food crop production and determine if herdsmen banditry activities has any significant effect on food scarcity. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from residents in Markurdi, Benue state. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
Food is an essential aspect of a man’s life because it helps to support his growth and well-being. The farmers-herders’ conflict remains a major food security threat, especially in Nigeria, with a growing population estimated at around 170 million. The findings of this study have shown that conflicts between farmers and herdsmen account for a decline in food production. According to the UN Agriculture Agency, notwithstanding, the robust global food supply, flooding, localized drought, and lingering farmer-herdsmen conflicts have excruciated and increased and perpetuated food insecurity in the country. Thus, succeeded in slowing down, retarding, and even stopping some major economic activities in most parts of the country is this menace. The damages to the properties and even loss of lives, the declining and diminution in agricultural produce, unemployment, loss of revenue, etc., have let loose fear, animosity, and hatred among the people and have also increased rural-urban migration, poverty, and social problems. These and many other factors remain Nigeria’s topmost challenges to meaningful food security and an enduring peaceful resolution of the farmers-herdsmen conflict. The apparently-visible lack of ICT usage in the quest to find an enduring solution to the farmer-herdsmen conflict that has negatively affected Nigeria’s food security objects has also become a key factor as to why the conflict has remained never-ending. The installation of security cameras across farmlands and other public spaces; the official establishment of a digital database for all herdsmen; and the use of crime reporting and emergency call applications and software for both the herdsmen and farmers are some of the many mechanisms recommended in this study for the nominal and enduring resolution of the lingering farmer-herdsmen conflicts for the actualization of the goal of improved food security in Nigeria.
Recommendation
The study recommended that the government should create enabling environment to engage the teeming population of abled but unemployed youth in modernized farming by creating farm settlements, farm tools and equipment provision, loan facilities and improved storage facilities. It further recommended that government should modernize animal rearing to meet international standard as desertification and drought are challenges that modern technology could take care of. The old traditional method of resolving conflict between herdsmen and farmers should be encouraged to meet contemporary need and the traditional institutions responsible must not be compromised. Also, an inclusive peace forum should be organized to find ways of minimizing conflict. Finally, the study recommended that government should increase the budgetary allocation to agriculture to a minimum of 5 per cent and minimize corrupt practices.
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