Benue State University, Makurdi

Farmers - Herders' Conflict and Socio-Economic Development of Benue State, Nigeria

Alu Martins Gema

Abstract

This work examines the phenomenon of farmers – herders’ conflict and the extent to which it has affected socio-economic development of Benue state. It uses a survey research design where the primary data was sourced with the use of questionnaire method, while the secondary data on the other hand have been educed from text books, newspapers, journal articles, and the internet sources. In attempt to achieve the fundamental objective, the effect of the conflict on the basic indicators of socio-economic development such as access to quality education and gainful employment opportunities in the state were all investigated. The study used the Marxist perspective of conflict theory as its theoretical framework to capture the reality of the phenomenon under discussion. The research universe was the entirety of Benue State population but the sample for the study was drawn from only three purposely selected local governments including – Guma, Logo and Agatu. Findings of the study reveal that, the menace of farmers-herders’ conflict has affected socio-economic development in Benue State where access to quality education as well as gainful employment has been grossly affected. The study recommends among others the intensification of efforts by both the federal and state governments towards providing enough security for lives and properties in the conflict prone areas.

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