Collective Distress and Coping Strategies Among Farmers Affected By Farmer-Herder Conflict in Selected Local Government Areas of Benue State

This study examined collective distress and coping strategies among farmers affected by farmer–herder conflict in selected Local Government Areas of Benue State, namely Logo, Kwande, Gwer West, Gwer East, and Guma. The main objective was to examine the relationship between conflict intensity and collective distress, as well as the influence of coping strategies on distress among farmers. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, with a sample size of 321 respondents drawn from a population of 1,925 farmers using the Taro Yamane formula. Data were analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) and Multiple Regression Analysis. The findings revealed a strong positive and significant relationship between conflict intensity and collective distress (r = 0.71, df = 319, p < 0.05), indicating that increased exposure to farmer–herder conflict significantly elevates psychological distress among farmers. The mean scores further showed high levels of conflict intensity (M = 3.84, SD = 0.76) and collective distress (M = 4.12, SD = 0.69). Additionally, coping strategies were found to significantly predict collective distress, accounting for 61% of the variance (R² = 0.61, F(2,318) = 246.52, p < 0.05). Adaptive coping strategies significantly reduced distress (β = -0.48, t = -11.36, p < 0.05), whereas maladaptive coping strategies significantly increased distress (β = 0.53, t = 12.44, p < 0.05). The study concluded that farmer–herder conflict significantly contributes to collective distress among farmers, while coping strategies play a crucial role in moderating this relationship. It was recommended that government and stakeholders should strengthen conflict resolution mechanisms, provide psychosocial support services, promote adaptive coping strategies, implement livelihood support programs, and ensure effective land-use and environmental policies. These measures are essential for reducing distress and enhancing resilience among farmers in conflict-affected communities.