Assessing perception of spatial dimensions of Farmer-Herder land conflicts (FHLCs) in Sub-Saharan Africa:

a study case in Oke-Ogun, Nigeria

Abstract

Lately, there has been an upsurge in different forms of violent conflicts in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study focuses on Farmer-Herder Land Conflict (FHLC) in Oke-Ogun, Nigeria, examining the perception of spatial dimension including causes and effects on the physical and socio-economic environment. Using both primary and secondary data, the study employed descriptive statistical analysis. Findings reveal that the major causes of FHLC were cattle rustling (RII =3.59), encroachment of farmland/grazing land (RII=3.35), and poor application of statutory laws (RII=3.50). Spatially, findings show that areas with the highest occurrence of the conflict were farm settlements in small and large communities. The socio-economic implications of FHLC in the study area include among others, displacement of people, loss of lives and livelihoods. The study concluded that FHLC is prevalent in the study area and more critical in small and large communities where farming and grazing were the predominant land-use activities. Thus, perception of both parties on spatial dimension, improved application of statutory laws on land use and accessibility as well as political downplay are required to enhance peace building and socio-economic development in the study area.