Efficacy of the Ekiti State Anti-grazing Law. Key Stakeholders' Perspectives

Abstract


 
 
 The study examines the perceived efficacy of the Ekiti state Anti-grazing Law (EAGL) as a strategy for managing farmers-herders conflict among stakeholders. Quantitative information was obtained from 148 crop farmers and 73 Fulani pastoralists selected through a multi-stage sampling procedure, while a total of five Focus Group Discussion sessions and In-depth Interviews were also conducted. Analyses of results were carried out using frequency counts mean t-test and Tobit regression. A significant proportion (82.4%; 90.4%) of crop farmers and herdsmen, respectively had a high level of knowledge of the EAGL, perceived the EAGL to have substantial limitations (97.3% crop farmers; 100.0% herdsmen) as measures adopted for conflict management, with poor consultation and mobilization of stakeholders as the most rated factor. Also, 70.3% of crop farmers, but only 8.2% of herdsmen rated the efficacy of the EAGL as high. Farmers and herdsmen were significantly different in their perceived limitation (t =12.44) and efficacy (t = 11.84) of the EAGL. Years of experience (β = 0.102), farm size (β = 0.0001), herd size (β = -0.112) and perceived limitation (β = 0.228) and being a crop farmer (β = 6.689) were predictors of the perceived efficacy of the EAGL. A robust stakeholder analysis and engagement is advocated for the sustainable management of conflicts and commons in future interventions.
 KEY WORDS: PERCEIVED EFFICACY, CROP FARMERS, HERDSMEN, CONFLICT
 
 

Resource-based induced conflict and socio-economic effects on crop and cattle farmers in Nigeria

“…This implies that the higher the number of years of experience the higher the socio-economic effect on crop farmers whereas the higher the number of years of experience in cattle farmers, the lower the effect. The findings from this study corroborate with Olutegbe and Ogungbaro (2020) who posited that many years of experience will enable both crop and cattle farmers to acquire skills over time in different livelihood activities and better understanding of conflict resolution mechanisms in various communities. It could also be deduced that crop and cattle farmers with so many years of experience already know how to manage the effect of the conflict.…”

“…Obioha (2008) outlined the impact created by crop and cattle farmers who are the main agricultural practitioners, through their efforts in meeting the nutritional needs of the country and thus contributing to food security. Similarly in line with this report, Olutegbe and Ogungbaro (2020) noted that both practitioners in the past enjoyed a symbiotic relationship such that cattle dung are used as organic manure to fertilise the farmers' land in exchange for grazing rights. Meanwhile, this enabling environment between producer communities then created a socio-economic development and sustainable food production, in terms of food safety and security.…”

“…Consequently, Genyi (2017) expressed that the expansion of agricultural activities into pasture lands by farmers due to loss of initial lands to urbanisation, sand mining activities, climate change and the expansion of grazing activities into the cropping lands result in the occurrence of conflicts between farmers and cattle farmers. Olutegbe and Ogungbaro (2020) noted that conflicts which was only characterised by sustainment of wounds during the early days, has in the recent years degenerated to loss of human lives. While it can be argued that the conflicts are capable of demonstrating high potential to cause civil unrest, insecurity, and food crisis particularly in rural communities where most of the conflicts are localised, with serious consequences on their livelihoods, however, the extent to which the conflict has on the socio-economic effect has been sparsely reported and stands as basis on which the study was conducted.…”

Global Warming and Inter-Ethnic Clashes: An Ethical Evaluation of Ekiiti-Fulani Crises in Ekiti State

“…Governor Ayodele Fayose, then promulgated the Ekiti State Anti grazing law tagged "The Prohibition of Cattle and other Ruminants Grazing in Ekiti State" was passed by the Ekiti State Legislative Assembly and signed into law by the State Governor, on the 30th of October 2016 (Buhari & Ediagbonya, 2023). The law was the outcome of an executive bill sponsored by the Ekiti State Government to regulate, prevent and control indiscriminate cattle grazing and other matters connected therewith (Nathaniel, Olutegbe, Oke, & and Ogunbaro, 2022). The law which contains eight parts was structured to douse this crisis.…”

Herdsmen and Farmers Crisis in Ekiti State, 2014 - 2018: An Interrogation

“…For instance, various communities in Ekiti State such as Ikole Local Government of Ekiti State where herders attacked three women residing in a plantation in the Irele areas of the Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State (Ogunjobi, 2020). Herders invaded the village early hours of the morning on 7th April 2015, destroyed properties and burnt down houses (Nathaniel, Olutegbe, Oke, & Ogungbaro, 2022). Also, farmers lament as herdsmen destroy multi-million naira maize farm in the State and felt disgusted at the impunity of the group .…”