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 by John 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
i.
What
was the magnitude of Tiv-Fulani crises on agricultural output in Guma Local
Government Area?
ii.
What
were the effects ofTiv-farmers and Fulani herdsmen crises on the farmers,
farmlands and farmers’ income in Guma Local Government Area?
iii.
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:
i To
examine the magnitude of Tiv farmers- Fulani herdsmen crises on agricultural
output in Guma Local Government Area.
ii 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.
iii To
suggest likely solutions to curb the menace of conflict between Tiv
farmers-Fulani herdsmen in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
TOPIC: IMPACT OF CONFLICT ON AGRICULTURAL OUTPUT: A STUDY OF CLASH BETWEEN FULANI-HERDSMEN AND TIV-FARMERS IN GUMA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BENUE STATE. (2013-2017)
Chapters: 1 - 5
Delivery: Email
Delivery: Email
Number of Pages: 65
Price: 3000 NGN
In Stock
No comments:
Post a Comment
Add Comment