Tiv Farmers and Fulani Herdsmen Conflict, and Socioeconomic Development of Guma Local Government Area of Benue State

Abstract

This study focused on the effects of Tiv farmers and Fulani herdsmen conflict on socioeconomic development of Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. Objectives of the research were to assess the relationship between Tiv and Fulani ethnic groups prior to the conflict, identify causes of the conflict, find out effects of the conflict on social and economic activities in the local government and identify lasting solution to the conflict. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select 421 respondents, farmers, community leaders and divisional police officers in study area. Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered for the study. Data were generated through questionnaire administered on the 421 respondents and interview sessions with farmers, community leaders and divisional police officers. Frequency counts and simple percentages were used to analyze quantitative data while qualitative data was analyzed through ethnographic summaries. The study found that the conflict involving Tiv farmers and Fulani herdsmen has seriously and negatively affect socioeconomic development in Guma Local Government Area. It was thus recommended among other things that people rearing cattle should establish ranches in order to avoid destruction of farm crops by grazing cows, a development that often lead to conflict.