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Paper short abstract:

The study investigates how government-induced displacement affects indigenous farmers in Ogun State, Nigeria. Findings reveal that inadequate compensation leads to social unrest, livelihood diversification and farmers’ vulnerability. The research suggests fair land acquisition and compensation.

Paper long abstract:

The displacement of indigenous landowners by the government emerges as a critical issue, profoundly affecting farmers' livelihoods in recent times. This widespread issue of land dispossession, coercive displacement, and subsequent forced evictions have resulted in alarming rates of individuals and communities being deprived of farming lands, thus exposing them to unexpected economic challenges, consequently impacting farm labour participation, and compelling a shift to alternative occupations. This research investigates the socio-economic implications of government-induced displacement and land dispossession on indigenous farmers in Ogun State, Nigeria, with a focus on the challenges they face in transitioning to alternative occupations and the long-term impact on farm labor participation. Structured questionnaires were utilized to gather primary data from 180 farmers who experienced forced eviction from their ancestral lands. The data was analysed using Descriptive Statistics and Logit models. The Descriptive Statistics showed that insufficient compensation serves as a catalyst for social and political unrest, leaving dispossessed farmers vulnerable to market forces. The Logit model unveiled that the displacement of indigenous farmers and the inadequacy of compensation paid by the government had marginal effects of 0.86 and 0.42, respectively. These effects result in an increased probability of farmers engaging in non-farm labor participation by 0.86 and 0.42 percent, respectively. The study advocates for immediate implementation of flexible land acquisition methods, along with fair and timely compensation.