EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND FARMERS-HERDERS’ CONFLICTS ON THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF FARMERS IN ADAMAWA STATE

Abstract

Climate change, such as drought, desertification, unpredictable rainfall, and rising temperatures, are evident in the region. These changes have exacerbated conflicts between farmers and herders, who compete over increasingly scarce natural resources. It is against this background that this study examines effects of climate change and farmers-herders’ conflicts on the socio-economic development of farmers in Adamawa State. Several impacts of climate change, such as drought, desertification, unpredictable rainfall, and rising temperatures, are evident in the region. These changes have exacerbated conflicts between farmers and herders, who compete over increasingly scarce natural resources. This study is quantitative in nature. Survey design was employed, using a structured questionnaire to gather primary data from 384 respondents. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (percentages). The findings revealed irregular rainfall (71%), increased sunshine (74%), more frequent droughts (59%), and a decline in surface and underground water sources (80%). These climate-induced changes have led to significant conflicts between farmers and herders, resulting in social and psychological disorders (65%), loss of lives (67%), property damage (73%), and forced migration and displacement (74%). The study recommends improving farmers' and herders' adaptation strategies through effective water harvesting techniques, the establishment of public ranches equipped with modern technologies to manage herder movements and sustainable farming and livestock management system that will enhance resilience to climate change, such as agroforestry, crop rotation, and integrated pest management.