Paper short abstract:

Conflicts have devastating implications for human lives and livelihoods. This study examines the impact of climate change on land disputes and food insecurity in Nigeria, focusing on the age-long uneasy relationship between farmers and herdsmen.

Paper long abstract:

Food remains the most important of the three basic needs (food, shelter, and clothes) necessary for human existence and development. The process of food production has been hindered by the herdsmen-farmers conflicts due to climate change and land disputes. Conflicts, generally, are indicators of unacceptable resource control and allocation policies as well as poor management mechanisms. Climate change has led to floods, droughts, desertification, soil degradation, and water scarcity, causing conflicts between farmers and herdsmen and resulting in food insecurity. Most importantly, this paper will look at the age-long uneasy relationship between farmers (crop growers) and herdsmen in Nigeria. Due to increasing climatic instability, the study will also create awareness and suggest national policies for mitigation and adaptation so as to aid and enforce resilience in Nigeria. The study will also explore the impacts of climate change on agricultural productivity, competition over grazing land and water resources, and socio-political implications. The impacts include economic losses, reduced agricultural output, food insecurity, and heightened social tensions. Addressing climate change-induced land disputes and food insecurity requires a multi-faceted approach, including enhancing climate resilience through sustainable land and resource management practices, promoting inclusive decision-making processes, and strengthening governance mechanisms. Data from relevant articles, images, and news stories will be used in this project. Effective environmental policies are essential top priorities to address the root causes and consequences of these conflicts, fostering resilience, peace, and sustainable development. More workable suggestions will be outlined in the full paper.