Sahel International Journal of Administration and Governance (SIJAG)
Analysis of the Economic Impact of Farmer–Herder Conflicts in Selected Local Government Areas of Adamawa State
Jibrilla Hamza Modibbo — Department of General Studies, School of Humanities and Creative Arts, Federal Polytechnic Mubi, Adamawa State, Nigeria
Micheal Peter — Department of General Studies, School of Humanities and Creative Arts, Federal Polytechnic Mubi, Adamawa State, Nigeria
Mustapha Suleiman — Department of Business Administration and Management, Federal Polytechnic Mubi, Adamawa State, Nigeria
* Corresponding author
Sahel International Journal of Administration and Governance (SIJAG) · Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026)
· pp. 64-81
Published 8 October 2026
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Published 8 October 2026
45 views
Abstract
This study examined the perceived causes and economic effects of farmer–herder conflict, and the potential role of public relations strategies in managing conflict in selected local government areas of Adamawa State, Nigeria. Data was collected through questionnaires, of which 316 of 389 administered were returned, representing an 81.2% response rate. Findings show that 98.7% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that open grazing contributes to conflict. Respondents identified destruction of crops and animals, including reported losses of 4,529 cattle and 5,650 grains, as major economic effects. Abandoned farmland and restricted grazing were also reported. Support for dialogue-based approaches was high: 88.6% endorsed negotiation, 91.8% conciliation, and 92.4% mediation. Views on whether government efforts to mitigate conflict were adequate were divided. The study concludes that conflict is perceived to disrupt agricultural resources and rural livelihoods, while respondents see dialogue and public relations strategies as useful management options. It recommends inclusive community forums, trained mediators, clear communication of land-use arrangements, and improved reporting of losses. Further research should verify and quantify household-level economic impacts.
Keywords: Farmer–herder conflict, economic effects, open grazing, negotiation, mediation