Resolving the Farmer-Herder Crisis in Nigeria’s Central Zone: The Contribution of Trade and Gender Inclusion

Abstract

In concert with population growth, crime, and inefficient police action, climate change has driven the farmer-herder crisis in the central zone of Nigeria. The crisis has resulted in deaths, destroyed property and caused food insecurity. This essay studies the farmers and herders, who are the key players in this crisis. It also examines the efforts made to prevent, remediate, or mitigate the effects of these conflicts. These efforts have varied from the African Union to the government to civil society organisations. They have mostly been ineffective due to poor implementation. Trade and gender inclusion are suggested as essential contributory elements in resolving the farmer-herder crisis. While used in other crises, it is underutilized in farmer-herder crisis resolution literature. It is the conclusion of this essay that trade and gender inclusion would strengthen any strategies for containing and preventing the farmer-herder crisis.