Abstract:
The study assessed the effects of farmer-pastoralist conflicts on maize production in Taraba
State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was adopted; primary data were collected from
204 sample-size maize farmers using a structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed
using both descriptive (percentages, frequency, and mean) and inferential statistics (Student Ttest and Factor analysis). Results revealed that the majority (83.8%) of the respondents accepted
that pastoralists destroyed their farms, but most (96.6%) did not accept that they caused no
troubles, did not consult with maize farmers (96.6%), did not resolve issues amicably with
farmers (96.1%), were not peaceloving (90.6%), and had no mutual relationship with farmers
(90.2%). Farmers indicated the causes of farmer-pastoralist conflicts as destruction of lives and
property (98.5%), destruction of crops (94.1%), and failure of nomads to abide by the rules and
regulations of host communities (93.7%). Findings also showed maize production during conflict
periods (mean = 400.4 kg/ha) and non-conflict periods (mean = 908.6 kg/ha). The mean
difference between the two periods was 508kg/ha. The study revealed that there were three major
strategies for mitigating farmer-pastoralist conflicts. These included national security strategies
(Factor 1), land use and administration strategies (Factor 2), and land policy implementation
strategies (Factor 3). The results of maize production per hectare showed that there was a
significant difference in production (t = 46.482, p<0.00). An independent t-test indicated that
conflict between farmers and pastoralists has significant effects on maize production. It was
recommended that governments facilitate appropriate conflict management strategies to mitigate
the effects of conflicts between farmers and pastoralists in order to increase maize production,
which could enhance farmers income and improve their standard of living. |
