ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to assess the effects of the farmer-herder conflict on yield of cassava farmers in Issele-Azagba and Isa-Ogwashi communities, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. A multi stage sampling technique was used to select respondents for the study. The primary data for the study was collected through the administration of structured questionnaire. Inferential and descriptive statistics such as, means, percentage and frequency count were used for the study. The result that the majority of respondents in both non-affected and affected groups were female, constituting 80.0% and 66.67%, respectively, highlighting the dominance of female cassava farmers in the communities. The age group 41-50 exhibited the highest percentage among both non-affected (45.61%) and affected (43.33%) farmers, indicating a prevalent middle-aged demographic in both groups. Regarding marital status, 50.00% of non-affected and 36.67% of affected farmers were married, while 26.67% of affected farmers were Single Again, suggesting potential disruptions in family structures. Household size of 5-7 members and 2-7 members were prevalent among the non-affected community (46.67%) and affected community respectively (70.00%), indicating smaller households among the affected farmers. Educational levels varied, with 33.33% of non-affected farmers having Senior Secondary School education, and 10.00% of affected farmers relying on HND/B.Sc. qualifications. Experienced farmers with 14-18 years in farming were common in both groups, demonstrating a shared level of expertise. In terms of credit access, 43.33% of affected farmers had access, indicating heightened financial needs. The cost analysis revealed similar gross margins for both non-affected (141,718.27) and affected (141,812.60) farmers, indicating comparable profitability. Additionally, the paired t-test showed a significant difference in cassava yield between non-affected (172,833.33) and affected (166,666.67) farms, reaffirming the conflict's negligible impact. These findings show the resilience of both non-affected and affected farmers, emphasizing their ability to sustain agricultural activities despite challenges. It is therefore recommended that local authorities, community leaders, and government agencies should actively engage in conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts.
