They have taken our farmlands!

Examining the impact of herdsmen and farmers conflict on farming communities in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State

Abstract

The operations of nomadic herdsmen in recent years have posed security threats not just to lives and property, but also to families in Nigeria. For a long time, violent clashes between Fulani herders and farmers have been a typical occurrence in Nigeria, wreaking havoc on human and animal lives, property and peaceful coexistence. This paper examines the impact of herdsmen and farmers' conflict on farming communities in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State. Qualitative data were collected from 15 farmers through the use of in-depth interviews. Data collected was translated and transcribed, coded using Nvivo12 and analyzed thematically. Findings show that this persistent unrest or clash between the herdsmen and farmers has brought about hunger and starvation among the people. The study further revealed psychological trauma as another effect of these conflicts due to incessant killings and the destruction of property. The study also suggests anti-crazing policies to curtail the killings, secure property, and restore peace and serenity in the area. The study while exploring the implication of findings for social work practice in Nigeria recommends that social workers should advocate for the promulgation and implementation of anti-grazing policies in the country and assist victims through counseling and psychotherapy.