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Paper short abstract:

The aim of this paper is to examine the interface between the pastoralists and farmers conflicts over the use and ownership of land and water in Nigeria. Conflict surrounding land issues in Nigeria are complex and multifaceted, the complexity and dynamics change over time and depending on the area.

Paper long abstract:

The management of land ownership or possession is one of the most critical challenges facing the Sahel region, especially between farmers and herdsmen over either land use or water, and or both. Pastoral conflicts sit at the murky nexus between struggle over water and land due to harsh climatic conditions in the arid and semi-arid region. competition over the ownership of water and land is a factor in triggering, escalating or sustaining violent conflicts which are increasing as a result of; environmental degradation, desertification and increase population growth and human activities. mismanagement of land and natural resources is contributing to new conflicts and obstructing the peaceful resolution of existing ones. Land conflicts commonly become violent when linked to wider processes of political exclusion, social discrimination, economic marginalization, and a perception that peaceful action is no longer a viable strategy for change. Land and conflict are often inextricably linked. In Nigeria farmers have always accused the Fulani herdsmen of trespassing on their farmland to graze their cattle, destroying their crops which they have invested a huge amount of time and energy. The Fulani herdsmen have always ventured in search of land on which to feed their cattle. These herdsmen are mostly from the north travelling southward in search of grazing land as a result of the combined effect of competition for land and water. This paper set to investigate, examine and analysis the interface between farmers versus pastoralists conflict in Nigeria.