Benue State University, Makurdi

An Assessment of Factors Affecting Grassroot Political Participation in Democratic Governance in Nigeria: A Perspective on Osun State, Nigeria

BAKARE, Lawal Ayofe^*

Abstract

The paper interrogates the incessant farmer-herder conflicts and its implications on food security in Benue State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to obtain a sample size of 360 respondents (180 herders and 180 farmers) and a structured questionnaire was used to collect data using a 5-point Likert Scale (LS). The study followed the pattern of descriptive analysis. Data collected from the respondents were analyzed using simple percentages, mean and frequency counts. Hypotheses stated for the study were tested using Chi Square statistical method at 5% level of significance. The study found that a significant relationship exist between resource conflict and food security in terms of availability of food, accessibility of food, and sustainability of food supply in Benue state. The study recommends the need for a strong political will from governments at all levels in resolving resource conflicts among herders and farmers in a heterogeneous, multilingua, and multi-religious country like Nigeria for food security to be guaranteed.

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