Herdsmen/Farmers Crisis: A Threat to Food Security in Benue State-Nigeria

This Study examines Herdsmen/Farmers Crisis as a threat to Food Security in Benue State Nigeria. The study was guided by 3 research objectives and used a descriptive survey design, this enabled the researchers to collect and analyze data from a sample of the entire population without any manipulations. The population for the study was 300 respondents; this consisted of 150 farmers and 150 Fulani herdsmen. Data was generated through a research instrument titled Farmers/Herdsmen Relationship Questionnaire” (FHRQ) and was analyzed using descriptive statistics specifically, frequency counts, percentage, mean, and standard deviation were used and a 2.50 decision point was set to accept or reject each question items. Findings of the study on the causes of these crises show 8 items of the 9 with a mean of above 2.50, including destruction of farmlands and overgrazing with a mean of 3.54 and 3.39 respectively. Others are harassment of nomads by host community (3.46), theft of cattle (3.69).On the effects of these crises, especially on the family and the nation, result on the 10 items presented, 9 items were accepted and includes, scarcity of food produce(3.40),reduction in output and income of farmers/ herders (3.10).Based on the findings, it was concluded that farmers/ herders clashes affects both sides of the occupation and requires a lasting solution for national development to strive. Therefore, it was recommended that there must be a deliberate design to enlighten and mobilize farmers and herders to understand the ecology/environmental influence on the natural resources available in the localities, the grazing approach of the Fulani herdsmen should be re-organized and the modern ways of grazing should be adopted.