Effects of Farmer-Herder Conflicts on Food Security of Rural Farming Households in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of farmer–herder conflicts on the food security status of rural farming households in Ogun State, Nigeria. Ogun State is an important agricultural zone in south-western Nigeria, where increasing pressure on land and water resources has increased conflicts between farmers and herders, with serious implications for rural household food security. Primary data were obtained from 240 farming households through a multi-stage sampling technique. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Likert scale analysis, and a Logit regression model. The descriptive results revealed that respondents had a mean age of 53.02 years and an average farming experience of 18.78 years. Most of the respondents were male (66.7%) and married (81.1%). Findings from the Likert scale analysis showed that respondents considered both formal measures, such as arrest and prosecution, and community-based approaches, including peacebuilding initiatives, as effective strategies for managing farmer–herder conflicts. The Logit regression results showed that the frequency of farmer-herder conflicts significantly increase the likelihood of food insecurity in the study area (β = −0.089, significant at the 5% level). In contrast, livelihood diversification (β = 0.065, significant at the 5% level) and higher levels of education (β = 0.083, significant at the 10% level) are positively associated with household food security. Conversely, household size has a negative and statistically significant effect on food security (β = −0.132, significant at the 1% level). Overall, the estimated coefficients are significant at the 1%, 5%, and 10% confidence levels. The study concludes that farmer–herder conflicts pose a serious threat to food security in rural Ogun State. It therefore recommends that policymakers adopt an integrated approach that combines formal conflict resolution mechanisms with community-based initiatives, alongside the development of designated grazing areas, to reduce land-use conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.