Perceived Impacts of Crop-Farmer/Cattle Herder Conflict on Crops Productivity in North-East Senatorial District of Benue State, Nigeria

The study investigated perception of the people of Benue North-East Senatorial District over impact of farmers/herders conflict on crop productivity in North-East Senatorial District of Benue State. Identifying drivers and rate of the conflict; examining the impact of the conflict on crop productivity; and proffering measures to manage the conflict in order to inform policy statement, are the objectives of the study. Purposive sampling technique was adopted in selecting the four local government areas of the district, namely: Logo, Kwande, Katsina-ala, and Ukum. A sample size of 624 respondents was used for the study. A twenty (20) items structured questionnaire structured by the researcher was used to collect data. Data analysis was done via quantitative and qualitative guides. The study concludes that there is a significant inverse relationship between Farmers/Herders conflict and food productivity in Benue North-East district. The study findings implied: implementation of cattle ranching and anti-open grazing law; establishment of state police; recovery of weapons from locals; provision of free and compulsory formal education, improved security among other policy implications, towards a peaceful coexistence.