Managing Resource-Based Conflicts in Nigeria: Climate Change and Farmer–Herder Relations in Plateau State

Abstract

This study examined strategies to manage resource-based conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders in the Central Zone of Plateau State, Nigeria. Persistent farmer–herder conflicts have disrupted livelihoods, agricultural production, and community relations, while climate variability has intensified pressure on land, water, and pasture. The conceptual analysis examined resource-based conflict, climate change, farmer–herder relations, the climate–conflict relationship and conflict-management strategies, highlighting how environmental pressures interact with resource competition, governance and institutional conditions. Political Ecology Theory provided the theoretical framework for explaining how environmental changes, resource access, power relations and institutional arrangements shape conflict dynamics. A descriptive survey design was adopted across Bokkos, Mangu, Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Local Government Areas. From 384 targeted respondents, 351 valid questionnaires were analysed, representing a 91.4% response rate. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Findings showed strong support for community dialogue (M = 3.62), alternative grazing reserves (M = 3.59), law enforcement (M = 3.58), joint farmer–herder resource-management committees (M = 3.57), and peace education (M = 3.56), with an overall mean of 3.58. The ANOVA revealed a significant difference across length-of-residency categories, F(2, 348) = 5.012, p = .007. The study recommends integrated land-use planning, joint farmer–herder resource-management committees, regular community dialogue, climate-adaptation and livelihood programmes, peace education, and community-based early-warning systems to address both immediate conflicts and underlying resource pressures.