Dispute between Farmers and Pastoralists over Water and Grazing Land Rights in Northern Yobe State and Directions for Conflict Resolution

Abstract

Pastoralism in Nigeria faces challenges which hamper the productivity that consequentially affect the Nation's economy. Available grazing lands are diminishing at an alarming rate and livestock pathways are blocked through land use and urbanization. Farmers and herdsmen clashes are feuds that have led to wanton destruction of lives and properties over the years largely across Nigeria in general and the northern part in particular. Fulani herdsmen and farmers conflict have remained the most predominantly resource-use conflict in north-eastern Nigeria especially in Yobe State.  The basic trust of this work was to investigate the causes of dispute between various categories of farmers and pastoralists in northern Yobe State. The study adopted descriptive research design with systematic review of literatures. It made use of primary data as well as secondary data such as journal publications. The study revealed that traditionally there was a cordial relationship between the Fulani herdsmen and farmers in the area before the occurrence of conflicts. The causes of the conflict include encroachment on farmlands and the claim by the herdsmen that there used to be encroachment of their grazing lands. When such conflicts occur, it leads to the destruction of lives and properties among other things. The study therefore recommends for livelihood security of those involved and resource sustainability for the local communities.