Authors
Eneojo Friday Adikwu
Institute for Peace, Security and Development Studies,
Nnamdi Azikiwe University,
Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria,
+234(0)8181223208 yarochampion02@gmail.com
Prof. Cornelius Aghadiegwu Ukwueze
Department of Broadcasting,
Faculty of Communication and Media Studies,
Nnamdi Azikiwe University,
Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
+234(0)8063694405 ca.ukwueze@unizik.edu.ng
Abstract
Farmers-herders conflicts have evolved from isolated
resource disputes into one of Nigeria’s most severe
security, humanitarian, and food security crises, with
Plateau State in the North-Central zone remaining a
persistent epicentre of violence. This study investigates
the major causes of farmers-herders conflicts and
examines how conflict-induced displacement has
impacted food security in Plateau State. Theoretically
grounded in resource conflict theory, the study adopted a
mixed-methods design combining a structured survey of 400 respondents across five conflict-affected Local
Government Areas (Jos North, Jos South, Barkinladi,
Riyom, and Bokkos) with 20 in-depth interviews
involving farmers, herders, community leaders, and local
officials. Quantitative data were analysed using
descriptive statistics and Pearson Product Moment
Correlation; qualitative data were thematically analysed
to capture lived experiences and contextual nuance.
Findings revealed that poor enforcement of land-use and
grazing policies (87.7%), absence of effective conflict
resolution mechanisms (83.2%), poverty and
unemployment (80.0%), scarcity of grazing resources
(75.1%), land disputes (70.6%), cultural and ethnic
differences (70.3%), and climate change and
environmental degradation (67.4%) were the dominant
drivers of conflict. Displacement was shown to
significantly reduce food production (63.7%), constrain
food access for displaced families (86.0%), disrupt local
food supply chains (82.8%), and heighten food
insecurity among internally displaced persons (79.4%).
A strong positive correlation (r = 0.64, p < 0.001)
confirmed that conflict-induced displacement
significantly undermines agricultural productivity,
leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. The study
concludes that farmers-herders conflicts in Plateau State
are structurally embedded in governance failures,
resource competition, and ecological stress, and that
food security cannot be restored without addressing the
root causes of displacement. It recommends integrated
land-use planning, demarcation and protection of grazing
routes, enforcement of cattle movement regulations,
climate-adaptive agricultural policies, and targeted rehabilitation programs for displaced farming
households.
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