The Fulani Herder–Farmer Conflict and National Development in Nigeria: A Qualitative Analysis

• Author(s): Ojuawo Olakunle Olaniyi
• Paper ID: 1719571
• Page: 654-666
• Published Date: 08-07-2026
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 10 Issue 1 July-2026
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I1-1719571

Abstract

This study examines the persistent Fulani herder–farmer conflict in Nigeria and its implications for national development. Recurring clashes between pastoralists and farming communities have intensified insecurity, disrupted agricultural production, and generated significant socio-economic, political, and humanitarian challenges across the country. Guided by Social Conflict Theory, the study investigates the drivers of the conflict, assesses its implications for national development, and evaluates existing government responses and peacebuilding initiatives. A qualitative research design was adopted, drawing on secondary data from peer-reviewed journal articles, government reports, policy documents, and other relevant documentary sources. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that the interplay of competition over land and water resources, climate change, environmental degradation, weak governance, ineffective land administration, the proliferation of illicit arms, and inadequate conflict management mechanisms drives the conflict. The study further reveals that the conflict has undermined agricultural productivity, worsened food insecurity, displaced rural populations, weakened social cohesion, discouraged investment, and constrained sustainable national development. It also finds that existing government interventions, including security operations, anti-open grazing policies, ranching initiatives, and peacebuilding programmes, have achieved only limited success due to weak implementation and institutional deficiencies. The study contributes to the existing literature by providing an integrated qualitative analysis that links the conflict's drivers, developmental implications, and peacebuilding responses within a unified analytical framework. It recommends strengthening land administration, promoting sustainable ranching, improving climate adaptation, enhancing security and justice institutions, institutionalising community-based peacebuilding and peace education, and adopting inclusive, evidence-based policies that address the structural causes of the conflict.

Keywords

Fulani Herder–Farmer Conflict, National Development, Social Conflict Theory, Thematic Analysis, Peacebuilding, Food Security, Nigeria.

Citations

IRE Journals:
Ojuawo Olakunle Olaniyi "The Fulani Herder–Farmer Conflict and National Development in Nigeria: A Qualitative Analysis" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 10 Issue 1 2026 Page 654-666 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I1-1719571

IEEE:
Ojuawo Olakunle Olaniyi "The Fulani Herder–Farmer Conflict and National Development in Nigeria: A Qualitative Analysis" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 10, no. 1, Jul. 2026, doi: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I1-1719571

APA:
Ojuawo Olakunle Olaniyi (2026). The Fulani Herder–Farmer Conflict and National Development in Nigeria: A Qualitative Analysis. Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 10(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I1-1719571

MLA:
Ojuawo Olakunle Olaniyi "The Fulani Herder–Farmer Conflict and National Development in Nigeria: A Qualitative Analysis" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 10, no. 1, Jul. 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I1-1719571

BibTeX

@article{1719571,
author = {Ojuawo Olakunle Olaniyi},
title = {The Fulani Herder–Farmer Conflict and National Development in Nigeria: A Qualitative Analysis},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {654-666},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1719571.pdf},
abstract = {This study examines the persistent Fulani herder–farmer conflict in Nigeria and its implications for national development. Recurring clashes between pastoralists and farming communities have intensified insecurity, disrupted agricultural production, and generated significant socio-economic, political, and humanitarian challenges across the country. Guided by Social Conflict Theory, the study investigates the drivers of the conflict, assesses its implications for national development, and evaluates existing government responses and peacebuilding initiatives. A qualitative research design was adopted, drawing on secondary data from peer-reviewed journal articles, government reports, policy documents, and other relevant documentary sources. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that the interplay of competition over land and water resources, climate change, environmental degradation, weak governance, ineffective land administration, the proliferation of illicit arms, and inadequate conflict management mechanisms drives the conflict. The study further reveals that the conflict has undermined agricultural productivity, worsened food insecurity, displaced rural populations, weakened social cohesion, discouraged investment, and constrained sustainable national development. It also finds that existing government interventions, including security operations, anti-open grazing policies, ranching initiatives, and peacebuilding programmes, have achieved only limited success due to weak implementation and institutional deficiencies. The study contributes to the existing literature by providing an integrated qualitative analysis that links the conflict's drivers, developmental implications, and peacebuilding responses within a unified analytical framework. It recommends strengthening land administration, promoting sustainable ranching, improving climate adaptation, enhancing security and justice institutions, institutionalising community-based peacebuilding and peace education, and adopting inclusive, evidence-based policies that address the structural causes of the conflict.},
keywords = {Fulani Herder–Farmer Conflict, National Development, Social Conflict Theory, Thematic Analysis, Peacebuilding, Food Security, Nigeria.},
month = {July}
}