SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH PASTORALISTs-CROP FARMERS CONFLICT IN ITAS/GADAU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study assessed Socio-economic Factors Associated with Pastoralists-Crop Farmers Conflict in Itas/Gadau Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Nigeria. There are sixteen (16) wards in the Local Government, Proportionate and random sampling techniques were used to select eighty (80) crop farmers and eighty (80) pastoralists from sampling frame of each ward making a total of One Hundred and Sixty (160) pastoralists and crop farmers which served as the sample size. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and logic regression model. The study revealed that 93.8% of pastoralists were males and 6.2% were females. While 96.2% of crop farmers were males and 3.8% were female. The mean age of pastoralists and crop farmers were 36.70 and 41.70 years respectively. The major causes of pastoralists-crop farmers conflict opined by pastoralists were  blockage of cattle routes and animal drinking water points by crop farmers, while crop farmers opined destruction of crops by animals. The logistic regression analysis revealed that farm size and operating capital for crop farmers were significantly associated with conflict at P< 0.05 and P< 0.10 respectively, while number of livestock for pastoralist was significantly associated with conflict at P< 0.10. The measures of resolving conflict opined by both parties were dialogue and arbitration. The major constraint opined by pastoralists was non compliance of agreement reached by both parties, while crop farmers opined lack of integrity of the resolution committee. The study recommends Government to rehabilitate and preserve the existing grazing reserves, farmers to avoid encroachment and constant supervision be maintened.