Abstract

This study examines the prevalence of herdsmen and farmers conflict and its effect on socioeconomic development in Sabon Daga part of Niger State Nigeria. The study adopts the descriptive research design approach, Primary and secondary data were employed to provide answers to the research questions in a quantitative manner. A total of 400 questionnaires was administered on herders and farmers; 200 for herders and 200 for farmers respectively. However, only 345 questionnaires were returned completed. The study revealed that destruction of crops, stealing of farm produce, and killing of famers are among the most predominant causes of conflicts between herders and farmers in the study area. The study also established reduction in farm output displacement of farmers and reduction in farmer’s income as the major socioeconomic problem in the study areas. The study concludes that the Herdsmen and farmers conflict created food insecurity, displacement and disruption of people’s livelihood patterns and the exacerbation of poverty. Therefore, the study recommended that State governments should designate grazing fields in Niger State for the nomadic herdsmen and make them pay tax to the Niger state government