EFFECT OF CONFLICT ON AGRICULTURAL OUTPUT: A STUDY OF THE FULANI-HERDSMEN AND TIV-FARMERS CRISIS IN GUMA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BENUE STATE

ABSTRACT: This study is primarily concerned with examining the impact of conflict on agricultural productivity. Specifically, it aims to investigate the repercussions of the ongoing fulani-herdsmen and tiv-farmers crisis in the guma local government area of benue state. The scholarly investigation thoroughly examined relevant literature pertaining to the subject matter at hand, encompassing its impact and potential remedies. Additionally, the study undertakes a comprehensive examination of three prominent theoretical frameworks, namely Functionalism, Marxism, and Human Need Theory. However, the study solely relied upon the human necessity theory espoused by the esteemed scholar John Burton. The empirical data in this study was obtained through the systematic distribution of questionnaires to a diverse pool of respondents residing within the five distinct Council Wards of the Guma Local Government Area. A total of one hundred and twenty questionnaires were distributed, with a retrieval rate of one hundred and five questionnaires. This study has revealed the extensive devastation of crops, farmlands, and market centres during the conflicts between Tiv-farmers and Fulani herdsmen in the Guma Local Government Area. Consequently, the region has been afflicted with severe hardship, hunger, and the dire consequences of starvation. In order to mitigate the perpetual conflicts arising between Tiv-farmers and Fulani herdsmen, it is imperative for the government to allocate designated grazing areas for the pastoralists. Upon the completion of this endeavour, I hold a firm conviction that a durable state of tranquilly shall ensue between the agrarian Tiv community and the nomadic Fulani pastoralists. Furthermore, this will serve as a catalyst for expeditious socioeconomic advancement and progress within the region. I express my profound admiration for the Benue State Government, helmed by the esteemed Samuel Ortom, for the recent enactment of the anti-open grazing legislation. This is indeed a commendable progress, indicative of a prudent course of action.