STRATEGIES FOR ADDRESSING FARMER-HERDER'S CONFLICT IN BENUE STATE

This project examines Farmers-Herders Clash in Nigeria, it's causes and the strategies for resolving the clashes. As farmers and herders compete for diminishing resources, tensions escalate, often manifesting as violent clashes. Ethnic and religious differences further complicate the crisis, fuelling mistrust and division. Government interventions, such as anti-open grazing laws, have yielded limited success, often hindered by weak enforcement and exclusionary processes. Similarly, traditional conflict resolution mechanisms, which once facilitated communal harmony, have lost their efficacy amid changing socio-political realities. Despite these challenges, opportunities for resolution exist through inclusive, community-driven approaches that combine local traditions with modern governance strategies. This study advocates for a multi-pronged approach to conflict resolution, including sustainable land management practices, participatory dialogue, and improved security measures. By addressing both the structural and immediate triggers of the conflict, these strategies can promote lasting peace and stability. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, scholars, and practitioners seeking to understand and resolve the farmer-herdsmen conflict in Nigeria, offering a pathway toward sustainable coexistence in resource-constrained settings.