Enhancing Food Security in Rural Communities: A Comprehensive Examination of Farmers-Herdsmen Conflicts in Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Farmers-herdsmen conflicts are rooted in competition over land and water resources which have intensified due to climate change, population growth, and shifting agricultural practices. This study investigates the impact of farmers-herdsmen conflicts on food security in rural communities in Oyo State, Nigeria. It aims to provide a thorough understanding of these conflicts' causes and dynamics, focusing its implications for food security in the affected communities. A mixed-methods approach was employed and data were analysed in simple descriptive percentage. Quantitative data were collected through questionnaire, interviews and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) conducted with the key stakeholders, including farmers, herdsmen, local community leaders, and government officials in selected conflict-prone areas to capture community perceptions and experiences. Qualitative data were obtained from the secondary sources such as government reports, academic publications and newspaper reports. The findings revealed increased food prices, decreased in crop yields, livestock losses, loss of income and livelihood, disruption of food supply chain and declined in nutritional quality. The findings revealed further that there was declined in agricultural investment, displacement of farmers, disruption of livestock production, decreased agricultural productivity and increased dependence on food importation. The study recommends, Strategies for fostering sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing resource management, and promoting peaceful coexistence between farmers and herdsmen will thereby contributing to improved food security across communities in Oyo State, Nigeria.