Interrogating inter-group relations and peacebuilding among farmers and herders in rural grazing areas in Benue state, Nigeria.

Abstract

The prevalence of conflicts between pastoralists and farmers in Benue State, Nigeria, is primarily attributed to the destruction of farmers' crops by pastoralists' herds and the lack ofresources. This is largely because most of the population in this Benue State are farmers, and most of the Fulani who migrated to the state are herders who need the land as pasture for their herds. The stiff competition over land use among crop farmers and herders often results in perennial clashes that probably rank Nigeria first globally regarding resource-use-based clashes between crop farmers and herders. Thus, the study assesses the intergroup relations and peacebuilding among farmers and herders in rural grazing areas in Benue State. Specifically, the study examines the nature and dynamics of herders and farmers' conflicts in rural grazing communities in Benue State; investigates the role of environmental changes, land, and water resources on the dynamics of conflicts and cooperative relations among herders and farmers in rural grazing communities in Benue State; examine the role of cultural, religious, and economic factors in inciting violence and building cooperation between herders and farmers in rural grazing areas and explore the peacebuilding resources for reconciling the warring herders and farmers in Benue State. In solving the identified problems using qualitative research methodology ofln-Depth Interviews and Focus Group Discussions to collect data from five purposively selected communities of Abinsi, Agila, Gbajimba, Igumale and Katsina-Ala. In all, 59 In-depth interviews and 5 FGDs were conducted to examine the intergroup relations and peacebuilding among farmers and herders in rural grazing areas of Benue state. The findings reveal that simplifying farmer-herder disputes solely because of structural causes, environmental/climate change, and resource scarcity, as viewed through the lens of both the environmental scarcity/security school and farmer-herder perceptions, is far more intricate than often believed. Instead, a multitude of political, historical, social, and ecological elements contribute to the escalation of violent conflicts. Furthermore, the escalation of violent conflict occurs through a systematic process that includes social networks and a wide range of people who have influential roles in driving its development. It also reveals that open communication and dialogue among community leaders, religious figures, and respected elders can provide a platform for addressing grievances, sharing perspectives, and finding common ground. The study recommends, among others, the necessity of an enhanced understanding and examination of the entirety of farmer-herder interactions. It suggests the establishment of multi-stakeholder platforms and coordination mechanisms to facilitate information sharing, resource mobilization, and joint action. This includes creating partnerships to provide conflict resolution services, livelihood support programs, and infrastructure development projects that benefit both herders and farmers. In addition, it is necessary to adopt a grassroots peace strategy that originates at the local level and considers the viewpoints and needs of local communities. This approach should prioritize resolving the conflicts between farmers and herders rather than relying solely on the central government's directives.