Climate Change And Pastoralists Conflict In Benue State, Nigeria (1999-2013)

Abstract

Climate change is a global phenomenon with varying effects on individuals, communities, nations, regions and continents. Empirical evidence shows that Africa is more vulnerable to the impact of climate change than the rest of the world. This study sets out to determine whether there is a link between climate change and pastoral conflict in Benue state. To investigate this problem, we relied heavily on qualitative method of data collection. We also adopted the ex-post-facto design and qualitative data analysis. The theoretical framework adopted in the study is deprivation, frustration-aggression theory. In the process we observed that extreme weather events occasioned by climate change, are responsible for resource depletion in the Sahel region. Further observation shows that, lack of water, fertile soil for agriculture occasioned by extreme weather led to extreme poverty, displacement of communities and the migration of various pastoral groups. Often than not, migrant pastoralists and farmers’ conflict arise as a result of competition over scarce water and fertile land. The carnage as a result of the conflict is on the increase. We therefore recommend among others: cooperation among inter-state agencies in the Sahel region charged with the responsibility of climate change so as to mitigate the impact. Funding on research and development must be intensified and finally, Nigerian government should put in place strong regulatory framework for pastoralists so as to address the problem of conflict between herdsmen and farmers.