Assessing the awareness and perception of the role of climate change factors in aggravating conflict among farmers and pastoralists in North Central Nigeria

Abstract

This study explored the role of climate change in aggravating conflict among farmers and pastoralists. Multistage sampling technique was used to draw respondents randomly, after a purposive selection of the areas of study in three states in Nigeria. The Likert scale was the main tool of analysis supported by descriptive statistics. Findings revealed the use of herbicides (90%), clean clearing, non-establishment of green reserves by farmers around the perimeter of the farm as aggravators. For the pastoralists, non-storage of fodder, underutilization of pasture or grazing grounds and non-planting of pastures were identified as aggravators. Other factors that contribute to aggravate the conflict situation include herd size, non-planting and destruction of trees. Potential climate related conflict resolving strategy identified include storage of fodder, designated grazing areas and establishment of green reserves will prevent most of the conflict between the pastoralists and the farmer. In the same vein, establishment of water points and halting of bush-burning. It was therefore concluded that climate change plays a role by aggravating the conflict between the pastoralist and the farmer. It was therefore recommended that in resolving the conflict between the two groups, a climate change mitigating strategy should be included in the package.