IMPACT OF FARMERS-HERDERS CONFLICT ON RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA

Farmers-herders conflict in North Central Nigeria has escalated into a major security and developmental crisis, significantly impacting the region's agrarian areas. This paper therefore examined the impact of farmers-herders conflict on rural development in the North-Central Nigeria. The paper's objectives were to analyze the prevalence of the conflict, identify its underlying causes, and explore strategies to mitigate its occurrence in the region. The study employed Resource Access Theory and Social Conflict Theory as its theoretical framework. This paper utilizes secondary data, drawing on books, reports, journal articles, and other documented materials, to analyze the complex issues surrounding the farmer-herder conflict. The paper revealed an alarming increase in the prevalence and intensity of farmer-herder conflicts in North Central Nigeria in recent times, identifying several interconnected factors driving these conflicts such as competition over land resources, climate change, land tenure systems, political dimensions, weak governance structures, economic factors, and the proliferation of small arms among others. The paper further revealed the devastating consequences of the conflict, including widespread loss of life, displacement of communities, decline in agricultural productivity, food insecurity, and disruption of rural economies. The paper however underscores the urgent need for effective mitigation strategies to address these challenges. The paper concluded by emphasising the necessity of multidimensional approaches to mitigate the farmer-herder conflict and promote sustainable rural development and therefore recommends strengthening resource management and land governance, enhancing conflict resolution mechanisms, and promoting economic diversification and climate resilience to build a more peaceful and prosperous future for the region.