Paper short abstract:

There has been social unrest among pastoralists and host communities of farmers in Nigeria as a result of resource scarcity necessitated by climate change impact. This study sets to uncover the factors that will offer pastoralists a lasting solution that simultaneously reduces conflict potential.

Paper long abstract:

Farmer-herder conflicts in Nigeria have intensified due to resource scarcity necessitated by climate change. The cultivation of Napier grass has both the potential to promote social security and also reduce conflict with host farmer communities. This study aimed at investigating factors influencing the willingness of pastoralists to adopt its cultivation. Primary data were collected with an interview schedule from 200 participants in north central Nigeria using a multi-stage sampling procedure. Data analysis was done using frequencies, percentages, Tobit regression and Chi square analysis. Results showed that majority (94.0%) of respondents indicated their willingness to cultivate Napier grass for the promotion of social security. Inferential statistics showed that herd size and ownership, membership of association, attainment of formal education, longer years of experience of conflicts with crop farmers and awareness of Napier grass benefits were significant factors that support the willingness of the pastoralists to adopt Napier cultivation to raise cattle while longer years of settlement, older age and land acquisition to raise cattle were significant determinants that negate the willingness of the pastoralists to adopt Napier cultivation at p < 0.01. In conclusion socio-economic factors and perceived benefits of Napier cultivation influenced the willingness of pastoralists to cultivate Napier grass to raise cattle, with the potential thereby to reduce conflicts with farmer communities. This study therefore recommended a policy formulation to birth a program for the implementation of Napier grass cultivation in Nigeria since most of the pastoralists are willing to cultivate Napier grass based on the potential benefits.