Effects of farmer -pastoralist conflicts on extension service delivery Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

ABTRACT This study examined the effects of farmer’s pastoralist conflicts on extension service delivery in Zone 11 Niger state. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of farmer-pastoralist conflict on agricultural service delivery in the study area. Its objectives where to describe the socio- economic characteristic of the respondents, identify the respondents’ perceived causes of conflicts in the study area, identify extension services rendered by the respondents, determine the effects of farmer-pastoralist conflicts on extension service delivering in the study area, and identify constraints respondents face in delivering extension services in the study area. Data were collected primarily by administering questionnaire to 50 respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results of the study shows that average age and years spent in school were 35years and 10years while the major perceived causes of conflicts include increased pressure on land ( X ̅ =4.56), Search for water and pastures ( X ̅ =4.10) and population growth More so, results from the study also shows that effects of farmer-pastoralist makes extension work difficult ( X ̅ =4.42, delay in completion of extension work (X ̅ =4.38) and monitoring farmers progress becomes difficult( X ̅ =3.32). Furthermore, constraints face by extension agent were bad road (X ̅ =4.34), Reoccurrences of conflicts (X ̅ =4.1) high cost of transportation (X ̅ =3.86) and inadequate cooperation from community leaders (X ̅ =3.22). The study recommends that government should adopt policies that would tackle the causes of farmer-pastoralist conflict in the study area especially in the case of land control measures, provision of basic infrastructural facilities such as roads, water points and ranches in the study area in other to facilitate effective communication, implementation and functioning of extension workers. Government should also set up reconciliation committee.