Farmer herder clashes remain a major concern in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has urged the Federal Government to establish a national committee. The committee is expected to focus on preventing farmer herder clashes across the country. The call was made amid rising insecurity affecting farming communities.
AFAN said farmer herder clashes continue to disrupt food production. It warned that insecurity has reduced farmers’ access to farmland. The association linked declining agricultural output to recurring conflicts. It stressed that preventive structures are urgently needed.
Farmer herder clashes in Nigeria have persisted for years. The conflict is widely linked to land use and resource competition. The disputes often involve farmers and pastoral herders. They frequently occur over grazing routes and farmland access. Environmental pressure and population growth have intensified tensions.
In several regions, insecurity has worsened farming conditions. This has contributed to displacement and reduced agricultural productivity. Security agencies and stakeholders continue to explore policy responses.
AFAN President Mohammed Magaji made the appeal at a policy engagement in Lagos. He called for a structured national mechanism on farmer herder clashes prevention. He said insecurity prevents farmers from accessing their farmlands. He also noted reduced agricultural output in affected regions. Magaji stressed that prevention is more effective than post-conflict resolution.
He stated that existing efforts remain insufficient at national scale. He added that several state-level stakeholders support a federal committee. AFAN recommended inclusion of security experts and agricultural stakeholders. It also emphasized coordinated intelligence sharing between agencies.
These clashes have direct effects on food security. Reduced farming activity threatens national food supply chains. The conflict also affects rural livelihoods across multiple states. Farmers face risks that discourage large-scale cultivation.
A national committee could improve coordination across institutions. It may also strengthen early warning systems for conflict prevention. Policy experts often link agricultural stability to security outcomes. Improved conflict management could support broader economic resilience.
