Author(s) :

GIDEON PELUMI ADEJUMO, MOHAMMED NGOZI THELMA, PhD.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Abstract The paper discusses the farmer-herder conflicts in Oyo State, Nigeria, between 2011 and 2023, the causes of the conflicts, security management, and the effectiveness of the security management in curbing violence. Farmer-herder conflicts are a complex security and development problem that is mainly fuelled by the competition of the remaining natural resources such as land and water which is worsened by the degradation of the environment, population growth and the breakdown of the traditional conflict management systems. The focus of this paper is on three local government areas, Ibarapa North, Iseyin, and Afijio, which represent different socio-ecological settings and conflict dynamics. The paper uses Frustration-Aggression Theory to understand the role of blocked socio-economic goals in promoting aggression and Security Governance Theory to comprehend the changing multi-actor and multi-level security management system. The study synthesises secondary data based on various academic and policy sources using a qualitative systematic literature review methodology. Results indicate that state initiatives, such as the formation of local security outfits such as Amotekun and the Oodua People Congress, and anti-open grazing legislation have not been effective in preventing conflicts because of ineffective coordination, institutional flaws, corruption, and non-inclusivity in policymaking. Violent confrontations have also led to huge economic losses, displacement, and social fragmentation. The paper concludes that sustainable peace in Oyo State requires integrative security governance that incorporates enhanced land management, participatory governance, community-based conflict management, and socio-economic development programmes. It is a comprehensive remedy that is required in the rebuilding of confidence between farmers and herders and sustainable stability in the area.

No. of Downloads :

0