Impact Of Conflict On Agricultural Output; A Study Of Clash Between Fulani-Herdsmen And TIV-Farmers

Project and Seminar Material for Sociology

Abstract

This work is focused on finding the impact of conflict on agricultural output in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. The study reviewed literature that relates to the concept under study, its effect and solutions. The study also reviews three theories: Functionalism, Marxism and Human need theory.But only human need theory propounded byJohn Burton were used to back up the study. The findings in this work are gotten by administering questionnaires to respondents in the five Council Wards of Guma Local Government Area. Hundred (120) questionnaires were administered and only one hundred and five questionnaires were retrieved.

This study find out that there was massive destruction of crops, farmlands and market centers during the crises between Tiv-farmers and Fulani herdsmen in Guma Local Government Area thereby resulting to hardship, hunger and starvation in the area. To prevent the incessant crises between Tiv-farmers and Fulani herdsmen Government should provide grazing land to the herdsmen. Once this is done, I strongly believe that there will be a lasting peace between Tiv-farmers and Fulani herdsmen. And this will pave way for rapid economic growth and development in the area. I appreciate the Benue State Government under the leadership of Samuel Ortom for the recently signing of the anti-open grazing bill. That is a welcome development, a step in the right direction.

Chapter One

Introduction

1.1 Background to the Study

The average increase of global war is predominantly in the third world nations among which Nigeria is one. Since independence from Britain in 1960. Nigeria has recorded a major conflict; the civil war (Biafra war) and several intra national wars in different parts of the country. According to Aliyu(2004) ,”conflict in Nigeria is of diverse types and have been on rapid increase since after the civil war of 1967-1970.These conflict are mainly attributable to resources control and divergent, value system in the country (Olabode and Ajibade,2010).

Some of these conflicts have been characterized as crises of identity (Isa, 2001), or competition for control of political space. Alubo (2005), provides us with some examples of ethno-religious and communal conflicts thus; the Ife- Modakeke communal conflict of Oyo/Osun state in 1999,Hausa/Fulani and Kataf of ZangonKataf in Kaduna State 2000, Ijaw and Istekiris of Warri in Delta State,1999;Hausa/Fulani and Yoruba ethnic clashes in Oyo and Lagos respectively in 1999/2000; Jukun/Chamba and Kuteb, Jukun and Tiv in Taraba State, 1998/1999; (Isa,2001).More so, Nigeria in the recent times has been faced with other insecurity problems among which include; Niger Delta militant in the southern part of the country and Boko Haram insurgency in the northern part of the country. Benue state on the other hand has been faced with a lot of security challenges and of recent the herdsmen-farmers conflict.

According to Jibo et al(2001), some cases of communal crises in Benue state to include Jukun and Tiv, Ipav and Ukan, Tiv and Ibo, Masev and Idoma and the rest. Otite and Albert (1999:378) pointed out that the pursuit of access to the variety of limited resources which includes chieftaincy positions, powers, rival status, grass land, markets, water spots for animals, rival claim to land, government policies, leadership of political parties and the rest. By individuals differentiated in different categories in defined socio- physical environment give rise to conflicts.

A study of major source of conflict in Benue valley revealed that land matter accounted for the highest percentage (42.9%) of conflict followed by political (32.08%) and the chieftaincy matters (28.3%) respectively. A high percentage of conflict arising from the disputes has to do with land matters and conflict between Fulani herdsmen and Tiv farmers over grazing land. The state played a key role in the conflict of land in three (3) critical levels, viz: (1) the state inability `to address the indigene and settler phenomenon in the Nigerian constitution. The unresolved issue on grazing land and water spot that is central to the economic survival of both the herdsmen and farming communities. The Nigerian land tenure system which has had serious implication for land acquisition by peasants and the lower class.

As already noted in the paper the various conflict that ensued between Fulani herdsmen and farmers arose from the destruction by herds of cattle. Government at various levels (federal, state and local) have not address the issue of adequate provision of grazing reserve to accommodate the interest of herdsmen who are always on the move to secure food and water for their herds. The socio-economic lives of both the farmers and herdsmen revolve around land and therefore, land matter becomes easily conflicted. Another critical issue that is related to land is the phenomenon of indigene ship in Nigeria. The factor of indigene ship confers on individual the right to own land. Boh. A (2007) and Gbehe (2007) in their separate work pointed that land in most communities in Nigeria such as among Tiv people in Benue valley, is frightened with symbolic meanings, it is sacred and considered as ancestral and historical sphere of inference on the strength of this, therefore conflict over land are usually fierce with massive destruction of lives and properties.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

This study was set out to examine the impact of Tiv farmers and Fulani herdsmen conflict (communal conflict) on agricultural output in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. The clash between Fulani-herdsmen and the indigenous farmers in Benue state in general and in Guma Local Government Area in particular has been so disastrous that it become an issue of concern to the farmers and the state government. Destruction of farmlands and agricultural produce which is likely to hinder the economic well-being of the farmers and waste of resources has been alarming. The destruction of farmlands, market centers, where these agricultural produce are sold, displacement of farmers from their land would affect the farming activities in times of such crises. This can result to food scarcity and hike in the price of goods and services thereby leading to problems of hunger, starvation, crime, poverty, recession etc.

1.3 Research Questions

These are specific questions arising from the presentation of the research problem that indicate the direction of the search to the researcher. Also, they are questions that pointed to a particular direction of inquiry.

The research answers the following research questions

What was the magnitude of Tiv-Fulani crises on agricultural output in Guma Local Government Area?
What were the effects ofTiv-farmers and Fulani herdsmen crises on the farmers, farmlands and farmers’ income in Guma Local Government Area?
What are the likely solutions to curb the menace of conflict between Tiv farmers and Fulani herdsmen in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State?

1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Study

Aim is a general statement of intention which is intended to be accomplished at the end of the study. While the objectives are very specific statements of intention logically derived from the research questions. They are usually itemized.

The general aim of this study is to examine the impact of Tiv farmers and Fulani herdsmen conflict on agricultural output in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. The specific objectives are:

To examine the magnitude of Tiv farmers- Fulani herdsmen crises on agricultural output in Guma Local Government Area.
To evaluate the effects of the Tiv-farmers and Fulani herdsmen crises on farmers, farm lands and farmers’ incomes in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
To suggest likely solutions to curb the menace of conflict between Tiv farmers-Fulani herdsmen in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

1.5 Significance of the Study

The significant of this study lies greatly in the fact that at the end of this research work, it will contribute to the existing knowledge in literature about Tiv farmers-Fulani herdsmen crises , it causes, its effect on economy and the possible solution to reduce or curtail the menace. The study would also be of significance to the following areas;

The study would provide a framework to other students who intend to carry out similar studies. The study would be of immersed help and use to Benue state Government, Guma local government and the farmers in proffering solution in settling the Tiv farmers-Fulani herdsmen cases and even other similar crises that may occur some other time. The study would be of great help to other group who are experiencing similar conflicts in their communities. All suggestions at the end of the study would help shape and mold peoples’ attitude towards conflict which would be of immense help to the farmers, governing and the governed.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The main focus in the study is that the majority of the people living in Guma local government area are farmers hence clash between the farmers and Fulani’s would affect the farming activities. The study is interested in examining the impact of of this conflict on agricultural output in Guma local government area of Benue state.

The study is carried out in the following council wards of Guma local government area, they include; Nzorou, Mbaye/Yandev, Saghev, Nyiev and Mbawa council wards. The interests in these areas is that they are the major areas which were seriously erupted by Tiv farmers and the Fulani herdsmen, therefore carrying research in the council wards would give a better and reliable result, within limited time factor. This area was selected because Agriculture is the bedrock of its economic activities and has been a victim of the Fulani herdsmen and Tiv farmers conflict for a period of time. The Agricultural crops produced by farmers in Guma local government include; Yam, cassava, melon, guinea corn, beni seed, rice soya beans and others

1.7 Definition of Key Terms

1.7.1 Conflict:

In relation to this study, conflict can be seen as a clash between two or more persons, groups or countries over struggle for scarce or limited resource. Conflict is unhealthy to the society, because it poses a fundamental threat and challenge to progress or meaningful transformation in society.

1.7.2 Agricultural Output:

Agricultural output, in context to this study can be seen as the amount of agricultural produce produced by a person, machine, or an organization.

1.7.3 Farmers:

Farmers are those who own and manage a farm. Tivs are people in Benue State, North central part of Nigeria whose major occupation is farming. A typical Tiv man cannot do without farming

1.7.4 Herdsmen:

These are those whose work or job is to take care of animals such as cows, sheep, goats, elephants etc.

Chapter Five

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations

5.1 Summary

The main aim of this study was to examine the impact of conflict on agricultural output in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. And also to source for the possible conflict management procedures and suggest ways of stopping this incessant conflict between the Tiv farmers, the Fulani herdsmen and other related crisis in Benue State in particular and Nigeria in general so that in future time there would be peace, economic growth and development among neighbouring communities. In order to achieve these goals and objectives, study objectives were clearly set out with emphasis on certain issues including the use of questionnaire were administered to the respondents.

Three theories were proposed out of which one was selected to back up the research work. There were relevant literature review in respect of the conflict, communal crisis, land dispute, ethnic crisis etc its effect on the people and the society in particular. The effects on destruction of agricultural output, destruction of crops, lives, and other socio-economic activities such as market centres were also examined.

There was also a postulated results of respondents on how these conflict between the Tiv farmers and the Fulani herdsmen can be resolved. From the study, the research work examine the effect of conflict on income of the farmers, the level and extent of destruction of agricultural produce, farmland, market centersetc and the magnitude of destruction of agricultural produce cause by the conflict between the Tiv farmers and the Fulani herdsmen in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. There were various data collected and analysis for illustrative purpose and to further revalidate the study.

5.2 Conclusion

The problem of conflict as it is based on this study is dangerous to the Tiv farmers since conflict has negative effect on agricultural output of Guma Local Government . The people and government should understand that a larger population of Guma are farmers and conflict affects their agricultural activities thereby affecting the agricultural output hence would affect the farmers income since their income is earned from the sales of agricultural produce.
Again based on these findings, this section conclusively asserts or posits that given this realities the Tiv people should go back to the traditional way of settling crisis/conflict between warring communities rather than ending up in a violence which often resulted in the destruction and therefore distort the growth and development of the society. This would not move the society to forward but rather bring setback to the society at large. The study conclude that there should be no conflict/crisis in our state since its effects are disastrous.

5.3 Recommendations

Based on the study, the following recommendations were made to effectively check the alarming rate of conflict/crisis in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State in particular.

These are;

The Tiv people should revisit the olden ways of settling disputes among conflicting communities in other to reduce the alarming rate of conflict in Tiv land by reacting promptly to conflict issues and ensuring that conflict are settled amicably at the early stage before escalation.
The Tiv people should form a strong social organization which will be in the forefront of preaching about the ills associated with conflict or crises, and the need for peaceful co-existence among the Tiv people and neighboring ethnic groups for meaningful development.
The first class or paramount traditional ruler of the Tiv land ( Tor-Tiv) and other traditional rulers in Tiv land should adapt a strategy for checking the terrible incidence of conflict outbreak in any part of Tiv land promptly addressing it to put to an end to the menace of herdsmen/farmer’s skirmishes..
Both the state and federal government should set up an impartial conflict reconciliation and rehabilitation commission that will take care of conflicting communities by reconciling and rehabilitating them accordingly.
Government should also act fast when there is a breakdown of law and order in any part of the state and Tiv land in particular to avoid the devastating effect asserted with crises.
The government, at all levels should provide cattle reserve areas with standard ranching method that can bring about.
1. Reduction of seasonal inter-regional movement of herdsmen.
2. Viable economic value both on the farmers, animals, and herdsmen.
3. Periodic orientation for the Fulani’s at the reserve point.
  The recently passed into law, anti-open grazing bill by the government is a step in the right direction.
There is a need for the government to provide a mobile education which could assist in social enlightenment and general behavioral pattern of the herdsmen.
Non-government organization and well meaning citizens can also join the fight by creating enlightenment campaigns about the dangers of violent conflict and the setback created by violent conflict in the society which does not give room for development of the society.
The study is of the opinion that further studies be carried out by other researchers to ascertain the impact of insecurity/conflict on agricultural output as well as other aspects of the economy. The intensity of these impact may only apply to Guma Local Government Area only, but further studies be carried out in some state, local government, societies etc to prove it’s validity.

Get Complete Project Material