SOCIOECONOMIC EFFECTS OF FARMER-PASTORALIST CONFLICT ON AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICE DELIVERY IN OYO STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT  The study focused on the socio - economic effect of farmer-pastoralist conflict on family farming in Oyo State, Nigeria. One hundred and twenty respondents comprising of farmers and pastoralist were sampled and interviewed. Results showed that majority (52.6%) were between the ages of 30-50 years. The average household size was between 5 and 9 members (63.3%). Crop damage (63.3%) and indiscriminate bush burning (46.7%) were considered the most common causes of conflict between farmers and pastoralists. Majority (71%) of farmers suffer economic losses from farmer-pastoralist conflicts. Also, 75% of farmers used more of problem-oriented coping strategies while majority of herdsmen (73%) used more of emotion-oriented strategies. There was a significant difference (p=0.000) in socio-economic losses among farmers and pastoralists. Farmers are the worst hit of Farmer-pastoralist conflicts as it affects their family farming. Setting up of a three-tier farmer-herdsmen conflict management committee is recommended.  Keywords: Farmers, Pastoralist, Agricultural Extension