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Impact of herdsmen-farmers crisis on women and girls in Benue State, Nigeria
Abstract
The study evaluated the impact of herdsmen-farmers crisis on women and girls in Benue State, Nigeria. It was carried out in the major areas that experienced incessant attacks from herdsmen, namely; Guma, Agatu and Gwer west LGAs of Benue State. The study adopted the environmental/resource scarcity and eco-survivalism theories in explaining the nature of the conflict in the study area with references to explanatory insights presented by different scholars. Primary data were obtained from 120 women and girls through personal interviews, focused group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interview (KII). The result showed that the main livelihood activities of women and girls were farming (production of crops and rearing of livestock), processing and sale of farm produce, with a few engaging in petty trading as well. Beyond other causes identified, the result holds that the conflict in the area was politically orchestrated. Considering the average mean score, lack of access to health care, displacement, psychological trauma and loss of lives of family members and loved ones stood out as major impacts of herdsmen-farmer conflicts in Benue State. It ascertained the socio-economic status of women and girls, identified causes of herdsmen-farmer conflict, determined the effect of herdsmen-farmer conflict on women and girls, and their coping strategies during and after conflicts and identified interventions, resources and support services needed to ameliorate the effect of herdsmen-farmer conflict on women and girls in the State. Unanimously, the women and girls solicited for intervention in medical/health services and empowerment in the form of skill acquisition and low or no interest loans.
