Effect of Fulani-Herdsmen and Farmers Crisis on Food Security in Yewa North, Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the effects of the Fulani herdsmen and farmers’ crisis on food security in Yewa North Local Government Area. A descriptive methodology was employed in this study. Purposeful sampling techniques were used to select all five villages that were majorly affected by the crisis. A sample of two hundred (n=200) questionnaires was purposively administered among these five communities at twenty (40) residents per community, with a total of two hundred (200) residents. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were done using frequency count and percentage, pie chart, and bar chart for the analysis of the research objectives, while hypotheses was analysed with One-way ANOVA and a 0.05 level of significance. Results from the study contended that the herder-farmer conflict was attributable to competition over the use of land (100%) and destruction of farm products by the cattle (100%). This resulted in crop destruction, rape, killing, and maiming of natives (62.5%). Besides, Agriculture, which is the mainstay of the economy, was being disrupted, leading to a reduction in production and income, with the result showing that 1 is the degree of freedom and .248 for the ANOVA significant is greater than the significant level of 0.05. In the end, the livelihood of the people and the development of the communities were affected negatively, with the result showing that 1 is the degree of freedom, and it can be seen that .376 for the ANOVA is greater than the significant level of 0.05. Movement of Fulani herders to Yewa North has led to the destruction of farmers’ crops and loss of lives, which has affected food production and income of the people. This unresolved crisis has serious implications for the policy of the government in providing development for these communities. If these conflicts are not resolved in a timely manner, the sustainability of both the economy and the environment would become problematic. A joint police-military task force should immediately take decisive and effective action to drive all the alien herders and their cattle away.