EXAMINING FARMERS AND HERDERS RELATION AND ITS SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS IN IMO STATE

Abstract

An attempt to examining the farmers and Herders relation in Nigeria Imo State in particular, will consider the origin and content of the relation. Studies carried out by various scholars had shown that, since the pre-colonial era, agriculture, trade and commerce had been major determinants of peaceful and sustainable relationships amongst the diverse ethnic nationalities in Nigeria. Regrettably, since after the Nigeria -Biafra War of 1967-1970, the influx of Fulani Herders in southeast region, especially in Imo State has been on the increase with a humongous socioeconomic implications on the living conditions of the people due to the incessant farmers and Herders clashes, which has eventually metamorphosed into the high level of insecurity that the State is facing today. However, efforts by both the state and Federal Governments to quell the conflicts have indeed proved abortive due to the issues of religion, corruption, climatic changes and desertification, which usually impede on any meaningful efforts geared towards ensuring sustainable relations. Therefore, the paper seeks to critically examine the farmers and Herders relation and its socioeconomic implications in Imo State. The paper adopts a historical research method of analysis to arrive at its logical findings.