THE IMPACT OF FULANI HERDSMEN-FARMERS CONFLICT ON THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC LIVES IN MANGU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF PLATEAU STATE

ABSTRACT The Fulani herdsmen-farmers conflict in Mangu Local Government Area (LGA), Plateau State, significantly affects the socio-economic lives of the community. The clashes have resulted in loss of lives and property, leading to diminished agricultural productivity as farmers abandons their fields. This decline exacerbates food insecurity and threatens the livelihoods of many families dependent on farming. The study highlights the urgent need for conflict resolution mechanisms and sustainable agricultural practices to restore peace and enhance socio-economic resilience in Mangu LGA. This study aims to investigate the impact of this conflict on the socio-economic lives of the people in Mangu LGA, analyzing how it has affected agricultural productivity, livelihood, social relations, and economic stability. The objectives of the research include assessing the socio-economic consequences of the conflict, understanding the root causes, and proposing potential solutions to mitigate the impact on the affected communities. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques. The findings indicate that the conflict has led to a significant reduction in agricultural productivity, increased poverty levels, and a breakdown in social harmony among different ethnic groups in the region. Farmers, in particular, have faced crop destruction and reduced income, while herders have lost livestock and faced restrictions on movement. These developments have further strained the local economy and escalated tensions between communities. The study concludes that the Fulani herdsmen-farmers conflict has had a devastating effect on the socio-economic lives of the people in Mangu LGA. The research recommends that government intervention, through the establishment of clear land-use policies, improved security measures, and dialogue platforms between farmers and herders, is essential for restoring peace and promoting sustainable development in the region.