Agriculture in the Northwest Region of Cameroon: The Impact of Farmer-Grazier Conflicts in Nkambe Central Subdivision, Donga-Mantung Division

Background Climate change and declining soil fertility have caused farmers and pastoralists in Nkambe Central Subdivision to switch to shifting cultivation and nomadism, respectively, leading to farmer-grazier conflict. The development of agriculture is significantly impacted by the recurrence of these conflicts in Nkambe Central Subdivision. The study examines the impact of farmer-grazier conflict on agriculture in Nkambe Central Subdivision. Methods A quantitative research design was adopted. Primary and secondary data sources were used. Using a multi-stage sampling technique, structured questionnaires were administered to 150 participants. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis, and the results were presented in charts and tables. Results The findings show a lack of clear boundaries between farm and pasture areas, 60.7% agreed, conflicting administrative decisions 64% agreed; stray cattle and teenage herdsmen, 96% strongly agreed, increase in the number of people and cattle 98.7% strongly agreed, pressure on land resources 89.3% agreed. Frequent barbarism between farmers and graziers 66.7% agreed to be cause of farmer-grazier conflict. Findings on the effects of farmer-grazier conflicts revealed a decrease in farm productivity 57.3%, increase in poverty 64.7%, social insecurity 58%, inadequate supply of food 64.7%, disruption in children's education 58%, reduction in family healthcare 66%, decrease in family income 68.7%, high food prices 61.3%, and an impact on rural development projects 60.7% agreed. Results on mitigation measures revealed that 94% of respondents strongly agreed with the use of a dialogue platform. Most participants, 61.3%, 94% and 66.7% agreed with the use of administrative authorities, mapping farm and grazing lands and facilitation of land title procedures, respectively. Conclusions There is a need to put in place a regulatory mechanism in the Donga-Mantung Division in general and the Nkambe Central Subdivision in particular because the recurrence of farmer-grazier conflict has had a devastating effect on local and agricultural development.