IMPLEMENTATION OF OPEN GRAZING PROHIBITION POLICY AND MANAGEMENT OF FARMERS/HERDSMEN CONFLICT IN EBONYI STATE

Abstract

This study examined the issues confronting how implementation of open grazing prohibition policy affects the management of farmers/herdsmen conflict in Ebonyi state. The study adopted cross sectional and explorative research design using questionnaire (140) and Interviews with farmers and herdsmen. The study was anchored on Frustration-Aggression theory, the study identified some issues which includes habitation pattern as reasons for the escalation of the conflict and its effect on social economic development of the people. While the state government strategies which includes prohibiting the herdsmen from migrating on foot with their cattle to any place at all in the state, payment of damages when a herdsman allows their cattle to destroy the farm of a farmer and Registration of herdsmen upon arrival into a state in managing the conflict; was applauded by the both parties, implementing the open grazing prohibition policy of the state government was challenged by allegations of partiality, violence and reprisal attack and poor attendance of the herdsmen to peace committee dialogue meetings. The study concludes that the conflict between farmers and herdsmen in Ebonyi State affects the ability of farmers and herders to execute their daily activities. To manage the situation, the study recommended that there is the need to expand the composition of the arbitration team to include representative of other associations, interest groups and institutions to be able to determine adequate compensation value for damages done to both parties. Again, the herdsmen should be restricted to grazing at a designated area with, adequate notice of meeting been provided for the herdsmen to enable them regularly attend meeting of peace committee to be able to know the decisions of government.