THE IMPACT OF GOOD GOVERNANCE ON THE PREVALENCE OF FULANI HERDSMEN IN NIGERIA: A SOCIO-CULTURAL PERSPECTIVE

ABSTRACT

This study examines the impact of good governance on the prevalence of Fulani Herdsmen in Nigeria: A socio-cultural perspective. The study adopts the survey research design on the bases of which a sample of one hundred respondents from five communities in Ovia North East Local Government Area. The data collected was analysed using simple percentage and frequency table. The results show that there is a significant relationship between good governance and the fight against insecurity caused by prevalence of Fulani Herdsmen. The result also revealed that there is a significant relationship between government policies and reduction on the prevalence Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria. Consequently, the result shows that there is a significant relationship between prevalence of Fulani herdsmen and food security in Nigeria. The study recommends that the major cause of this conflict is crop destruction hence, governments at all levels should work out modalities on how to stop crop destruction by establishing cattle tracks and grazing zones where crop farming activities will be severely restricted and prevent indiscriminate bush burning. Sensitization programmes on how to maintain cordial relationships between farming communities and herdsmen should be organized by the government and other stakeholders. The issue of Boko Haram insurgency which led to decrease in farmers productivity should also be well addressed by the government and bring an end to it. The idea of modernisation of cattle rearing which will maximize the benefits therein in terms of job creation, food security, and eventually end the vexatious farmers-herdsmen conflicts should be adopted. Method adopted in countries like India, China, USA, Pakistan and countries with large population that depends on milk and dairy products should be adopted to fight hunger, malnutrition, unemployment and promote social harmony.