FARMER-HERDERS CONFLICTS AND NIGERIA’S DEMOCRATIC SUSTENANCE: TOWARDS IMPLEMENTATION OF STAKEHOLDERS APPROACH FOR ENDURING PEACE AND STABILITY

Abstract

The main thrust of this study is to examine the nexus between herders-herders conflicts and the extent to which the evolution of stakeholder’s approach to the crisis can enhance enduring democratic consolidation, peace and stability in Nigeria. The unending clash between transhumant herders and peasant farmers, which has persisted for some time now, is believed to have negative after-effects on the nation’s democratic project. This is in view of several lives that have been lost, rising cost of food items, excruciating poverty, increasing rate of destitution and myriads of other social problems. This trend has challenged the notion of national integration and the question propping in the minds of critics is whether the Nigerian state can survive this onslaught in the face of escalating conflicts. This study is an exploration of existing works of scholars and experts in the broader discipline of herders-farmers crisis. Essentially, the study relies on secondary sources of data collection for investigation. The study found that the predisposing factors to the conflict is mixed and finds expression in the nature of Nigerian political system, apparent dearth of political will to tackle conflicts as well as a retinue of other socio[1]economic and cultural variables known to be at the centre of the crisis. The paper sums up by suggesting ways through which the ensuing herders-farmers imbroglio can be mitigated so as to ensure the consolidation and sustenance of the nation’s democratic endeavors in the 21st century and beyond.