THE IMPACT OF FARMERS AND HERDERS CONFLICTS ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES IN BOKKOS LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA COUNCIL OFPLATEAU STATE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15390153Keywords:
Conflict, Farmers, Herders, Socio-economics developmentAbstract
This paper examined the impact of farmers and herdsmen conflict on socio-economic activities in Bokkos Local Government Area Council of Plateau State from 2010-2024. The year 2010-2024 witnessed conflicts between farmers and herdsmen in Bokkos Local Government Area council of Plateau State of Nigeria, that has resulted in the destruction of lives and property, massive internally displaced persons, closure of schools including Plateau State University Bokkos, reprisal attacks, closure of daily and periodic markets, food insecurity and psychological trauma on innocent citizens residing in Bokkos Local Government Area Council of Plateau State. The paper adopted the environmental scarcity theory which states that environmental changes, population growth, asymmetric or unequal social distribution of resources, and the struggle/competition for these scarce resources lead to violent conflicts. The methodology adopted by the paper was descriptive survey research design which involved collection of data through primary and secondary methods. The Major findings revealed that herders-farmers conflicts are prevalent in Bokkos Local Government Area council and have resulted in the destruction of lives and property crops damaged by cattle, struggle for land space, cattle rustling, internally displaced persons, closure of schools both primary and tertiary institutions and disregard for rules and regulations. The study recommended that arrest and prosecution of offenders, improved training for the security and law enforcement agencies, the involvement of traditional rulers who have good integrity and are the custodians of culture in conflict resolution, enhanced public information and education on the need citizens to respect and obey the law and engage in dialogue to promote peaceful and harmonious co-existence.
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