CONFLICT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES IN FARMER-HERDER CRISES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TRADITIONAL AND STATE-LED APPROACHES IN NASARAWA STATE, 2015-2023

Abstract

This study examined conflict management strategies in farmer-herder crises through a comparative analysis of traditional and state-led approaches in Nasarawa State between 2015 and 2023. The study adopted a qualitative research design and relied on both primary and secondary sources of data. Primary data were obtained through twenty-four (24) Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) purposively conducted across nine Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State, namely Lafia, Doma, Keana, Keffi, Karu, Toto, Akwanga, Nasarawa Eggon, and Wamba. Respondents comprised traditional rulers, community leaders, farmer association leaders, pastoralist representatives, security personnel, local government officials, members of peace committees, and officials of relevant government ministries. Thematic saturation was reached after the twenty-first interview, while three additional interviews were conducted to validate emerging themes and ensure data reliability. Secondary data were sourced from textbooks, journal articles, government publications, policy documents, reports of international organisations, conference papers, and credible media sources. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. The findings revealed that farmer-herder conflicts in Nasarawa State are primarily driven by competition over land and water resources, population growth, climate change, destruction of farmlands by cattle, cattle rustling, weak enforcement of grazing regulations, and the proliferation of small arms. The study further found that traditional approaches such as mediation by traditional rulers, community dialogue, customary arbitration, and reconciliation mechanisms enjoy greater local legitimacy and acceptance among disputing parties. The study concluded that neither traditional nor state-led approaches alone can effectively address farmer-herder conflicts. Rather, a complementary and integrated framework that combines the legitimacy of traditional institutions with the enforcement capacity of the state offers the most sustainable pathway for conflict management and rural peacebuilding in Nasarawa State.