THE FARMER-HERDER CONFLICT AND FOOD SECURITY IN KOGI EAST: A CASE STUDY OF OMALA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

ABSTRACT This study explore The Farmer-Herder Conflict and Food Security in Kogi East: A Case Study of Omala Local Government Area. Despite the constitutional recognition of agriculture as a central pillar for economic development and food security in Nigeria, and various national and subnational strategies to promote rural livelihoods, there remains a significant gap in understanding how recurrent farmer-herder conflicts are undermining food systems in local communities such as Omala Local Government Area of Kogi East. Over the years, successive efforts by federal, state, and local governments—including security deployments, peace dialogues, and agricultural development programs—have sought to address the root causes of the conflict and ensure stable food production in rural areas. While these interventions are often documented with ambitious targets, there is limited empirical insight into their actual impact on farming activities, food supply, and household food security at the local level.. The study employed the survey descriptive research design. A total of 363 responses were used for the survey. The findings revealed that The this study revealed that the farmer-herder conflict has significantly affected agricultural productivity and food availability in Omala LGA. The analysis of responses shows that both the local government and community stakeholders have initiated interventions aimed at addressing the conflict and mitigating its effects on food security. Findings under this objective revealed that several key challenges hinder the resolution of farmer-herder conflict and the recovery of the local food system. Based on the findings, the study recommended that Strengthen Local and State Government Commitment to Conflict Resolution and Agricultural Recovery, Improve Policy Implementation and Institutional Support Mechanisms, Enhance Community Trust and Participation in Peacebuilding Processes, Upgrade Infrastructure and Improve Access to Affected Areas and Ensure Adequate and Sustained Funding for Food Security and Recovery Programs