Influence of Herders-Farmers Conflict on Pupils’ Enrolment, Retention and Completion of Basic Education in Benue State, Nigeria

The study investigated the impact of herders-farmers conflict on pupils' enrolment, retention, and completion of basic education in Benue State, Nigeria. Using a descriptive survey method, it sampled 30 out of 438 basic schools across three local government areas of Guma, Logo, and Ukum were selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected using a profoma titled "Influence of Herders/Farmers Conflict on Pupils’ Enrolment, Retention, and Completion of Basic Education in Benue State, Nigeria," covering ten academic years (2012-2022). Descriptive statistics, including tables and bar charts, were used to analyze the data. Findings revealed that increasing conflict led to declining enrolment, reduced retention, and lower completion rates, particularly in 2014, 2018, and 2020. The study concluded that the farmers-herders conflict significantly affects basic education in the state. It recommended that stakeholders—including international communities and federal/state governments—should intervene through seminars, workshops, and conferences to mediate and raise awareness. Such initiatives aim to reduce the conflict and curb its negative impact on school participation.