A STUDY OF THE MANAGEMENT OF THE HERDERS-FARMERS CONFLICT-INDUCED INTERNAL DISPLACEMENT IN NIGERIA

Authors

Rita Iorbo, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, IndiaFollow
Dick Taverishima Andzenge, St. Cloud State University, USAFollow

Abstract

The management of the herdsmen-farmers conflict-induced internal displacement in Nigeria was characterised by remote factors that affected the protection and assistance of internally displaced persons (IDPs). This qualitative study was conducted on 12 participants comprising humanitarian workers, IDPs, and lawmakers who were conversant with the persistent herdsmen-farmers conflict-induced internal displacement. The study explored the inter-connected relationship among stakeholders within the humanitarian ecosystem. It found that though the herdsmen-farmers conflict led to mass displacement, remote factors such as unwillingness of government, data challenges, the undiplomatic approach of government in the management of the displacement failed to win support of other stakeholders and therefore, escalated the displacement crisis. The study concluded that while the conflict led to mass displacement of crop farmers, its poor management and poor interconnected relationship between stakeholders led to protracted displacement and lack of sustainable measures for the protection and assistance of the displaced persons. The paper recommends political will, collaboration and humanitarian diplomacy in managing conflict and assisting IDPs.

Author Bio(s)

Rita Iorbo is a Sociologist with interests in peace and conflict studies, human security, victimology and humanitarian affairs. She holds a doctorate in Behavioural Sciences of the O.P. Jindal Global University, India; a Master of Arts in International Peace Studies of the United Nations-mandated University for Peace, Costa Rica and Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from Benue State University, Nigeria. Her PhD research focused on the Social Inclusion and Psychosocial issues of internally displaced persons. She is an Assistant Professor in the Jindal School of International Affairs (JSIA) of the O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, India.

Dr. Dick Taverishima Andzenge is a Professor of Sociology, Criminal Justice and Victimology. He is Director of Justice Research Centre at the Department of Criminal Justice Studies in the School of Public Affairs; St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota, United States of America. Email: dtandzenge@stcloudstate.edu

Keywords

Herders-farmers conflict. Internally displaced persons (IDPs). Benue State-Nigeria. Conflict management.

Recommended Citation

Iorbo, Rita and Andzenge, Dick Taverishima (2025) "A STUDY OF THE MANAGEMENT OF THE HERDERS-FARMERS CONFLICT-INDUCED INTERNAL DISPLACEMENT IN NIGERIA," Peace and Conflict Studies: Vol. 32: No. 1, Article 2.
Available at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/pcs/vol32/iss1/2

ORCID ID

0000-0002-5995-4760