CLIMATE CHANGE AND AFRICA’S FOOD SECURITY: A STUDY OF HERDERS AND FARMERS CONFLICT IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Climate change and environmental challenges have increasingly become critical stressors influencing socio-economic and security dynamics in Nigeria, particularly in agrarian communities, like Ondo State. The research is motivated by the growing concern over the increasing frequency and severity of conflicts between farmers and herders, which are exacerbated by climate-induced environmental pressures such as desertification, irregular rainfall, and depletion of natural resources. This study investigated the multifaceted relationship between climate change, farmer-herder conflict, agricultural productivity, food security, and policy responses in Ondo State, Nigeria. The study deepens understanding of how climate change worsens ecological degradation and inter-group conflicts, especially between herders and farmers in Ondo State. It highlighted the need to analyse these conflicts as distinct yet climate-sensitive phenomena. Besides, it provided actionable insights for policymakers, development agencies, and local communities. Also, the study contributed to conflict resolution, sustainable agriculture, and climate resilience strategies in vulnerable regions. Using a qualitative research design, data were collected through in-depth interviews with 14 participants comprising farmers, herders, government officials, and community leaders across conflict-prone areas in Ondo State. The study thematically analysed the transcripts, generating codes and categories which were synthesised into four major themes: climate-induced migration and conflict escalation, declining agricultural output and food insecurity, socioeconomic and livelihood disruption, and policy and peacebuilding interventions. Findings revealed that climate change has significantly contributed to the herder-farmer conflict by triggering migration and competition over scarce land and water resources. The conflict has led to widespread destruction of farmland, displacement of rural communities, reduced agricultural productivity, and heightened food insecurity. Besides, despite the presence of government initiatives such as the anti-open grazing law, climatesmart agricultural programs, and local security networks like the Amotekun Corps, weak enforcement, poor coordination, and limited community involvement continue to hinder progress. However, farmers reported declining yields due to drought and flooding, while herders face shrinking pasturelands, often pushing them to encroach on farmlands. These environmental pressures have escalated tensions, resulting in crop destruction, cattle theft, community displacement, and in some cases, loss of lives. The study also highlighted governance lapses, weak enforcement of anti-grazing laws, and a lack of sustainable adaptation measures as key enablers of the conflict. Therefore, the study concluded that addressing climate-induced farmer-herder conflict in Ondo State requires a multi-sectoral approach that combines environmental sustainability, social justice, and institutional accountability. The study recommended the establishment of designated grazing zones, enhanced security presence, community dialogue platforms, and greater support for farmers and herders from NGOs and development partners