SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF FARMERS AND HERDSMEN CONFLICT ON HOUSEHOLDS IN TAKUM LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study assessed the socio-economic implications of farmers and herdsmen conflicts on household in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State. A total of one hundred and thirty three (133) respondents (farmers, herdsmen, traders, community leaders and local government officials) were selected through purposive and simple random sampling methods respectively. A self-developed instrument titled “Socio-Economic Implication of Farmers ad Herdsmen Conflict on Household (SETFHCH) was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation were used in the analysis of data. The findings of the study revealed social implication of conflict as brought insecurity and threat of live and property, unity and bonds that existed between families of farmers and herdsmen has been disrupted as families and communities members finds it difficult to unit and hold meeting. Herdsmen and farmers experience family and marriage breakdown due to conflicts. The study also revealed economic implication of this conflicts to include youth lost of farming and rearing employment, massive migration of families, customers/visitors relocating business to safe places, prices of farm produce and meat went high. The findings on the conflict resolution strategies suggested, that teaching through religious bodies, government mediation through peaceful dialogue and deployment of more security agent to the area. The study concludes that urgent measures like implementation of land use policy to address land use in the study area be adopted by the 
government. Local government officials and other stakeholders involved in conflict management to create more awareness on the importance of peaceful co-existence and respect of human rights and properties. From the findings of the research, the following 
recommendations were made: government adoption of new conflict resolution strategies such as implementation of land use policy, dialogue between farmers and herders and proper awareness/orientation by educating communities on the importance of peaceful co-existence and respect to human rights and properties. These can be achieve through religious institutions in the area. To this end, socio-economic development in the study will be possible.        
Keywords: Socio-Economic, Conflict, Household, implication, Herders, Farmers.