FARMERS-HERDERS CONFLICT AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON HUMAN SECURITY IN ZANGON KATAF, KADUNA STATE

Abstract

This study examined farmers-herders conflict and its implications on human security in Zangon kataf of kaduna state. The conflict between farmers and herders is an age-long phenomenon which became more severe shortly after Nigeria returned to democratic government in 1999. Historically, relations between herders and sedentary farming communities have been harmonlous. By and large, they lived in a peaceful, symbiotic relationship. The clashes between farmers and herders have threatened national security. peaceful coexistence, and national unity and reduced economic productivity and food sufficiency. The conflict results over disagreement on the use of resources such as farm lands, grazing areas, stock routes and water points between the two parties. The study adopted frustration aggression theory as the theoretical framework. The population of the study includes the general public, security agents, traditional leaders, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN). Cluster and purposive samplings were used in drawing the respondents. The major instruments of data collection were questionnaire and in-depth interview. The study revealed that the major causes of farmer-herder conflict include inadequate grazing reserve, killing of stray cattie, and crops damage by cattle, inadequate farmland and water points. The study recommends that there should be a survey, demarcation, beaconing and gazetting of the grazing reserves and cattle routes, to reduce pressure on the already over stretched reserves.