EFFECTS OF CONFLICT BETWEEN HERDSMEN AND FARMERS ON EDUCATION AND FOOD SECURITY IN BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The conflicts between herdsmen and farmers in some areas of Bauchi State, Nigeria have become a recurring phenomenon with consequences on education. This study examines the underlying causes of these conflicts which include completion for land damage to crops by the farmers, water completion between residents and herdsmen, lack of grazing land, government allocation of grazing land to the farmers, little respect for traditional laws, farmers encroachment on the grazing land and sometime deliberate grazing of cattle on crops as causes of the conflict, cultural difference, language barrier, poor governmental policies and farmers’ encroachment on cattle paths as causes of the conflict. The research also investigates the educational implication of these conflicts such as disruption of academic activities, destruction of school and decrease in enrolment rate. The finding highlights the need for an urgent attention to address the root causes of these conflicts and mitigate their effects on education in the state. The research recommends that promoting intercultural dialogue, improving access to education and implementing policies that address the needs of both herders and farmers need to be put in place