IMPACT OF HERDSMEN-FARMERS’ CONFLICT ON SMALL OFF-FARM BUSINESSES IN BENUE STATE

Abstract

The advent of Herdsmen-farmers’ conflict has resulted to severe violence which is a serious threat to human security and development of our society. This persistent conflict has affected the capacity of households, firms and government to accurately carry out economic activities necessary for human existence. In Benue State, households have continued to grapple with economic instability resulting from incessant clash between herdsmen and farmers. Consequently many households have lost many members and means of livelihood. This study assesses the implications of this persistent violence on households’ small off-farm businesses in Benue State. The data for this study was primary, gotten from structured questionnaire which was administered to 384 households that were affected by herdsmen-farmers’ conflict in Benue State. The sample covered farmers that engaged in small off-farm businesses and were affected by herdsmen-farmers’ conflict. The data were analysed with the use of frequency tables, simple percentages, t-test and logit regression model. The study revealed that, herdsmen-farmers’ conflict has a significant negative impact on small off farm businesses in Benue State. The study recommended that government should revisit the existing 1964 grazing reserves act and 1978 land tenure act so as to accommodate land ownership, usage and control by farmers and herders. The study also recommended that, government should provide access to finance for farm households, whose small off farm businesses were destroyed due to herdsmen-farmers’ conflict to rebuild their businesses wherever they are.