Participation of community leaders in conflict resolution among crop farmers and Fulani herdsmen in Oyo state, Nigeria

The study investigated the participation of community leaders in conflict resolution and management among farmers and herdsmen in Oyo state, Nigeria. Stratified and random sampling technique was used to select 180 community leaders from 25 communities in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Data were collected through the use of structured interview schedule and Focus Group Discussions. The data collected were summarised and analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency, mean, standard deviation) and Pearson Product Moment Correlation respectively. Results show that competition over water (93.8%), land (94.4%), lack of grazing zones (77.2%), and aggressive nature of the parties involved (77.2%) were main causes of conflicts among respondents. Conflict resolution measures mainly adopted by the community leaders include dialogue with parties involved (84.4%), use of village committees (76.7%), negotiating settlement (67.2%), entering agreement and ensuring such agreement is implemented (71.1%) and use of law enforcement agencies (84.4%). Level of participation of community leaders in conflict resolution was however moderate. Major constraints to effective participation of community leaders in conflict resolution include lack of institutional support from government (mean=3.0), inadequate finance (mean=3.0), language barrier (mean=3.0) and evasive nature of the herdsmen (mean=3.0). Years of schooling (r=0.223; p≤0.05) was found to be positively and significantly correlated with participation in conflict resolution. The study recommended the need for local leaders and the government to work together and take more proactive measure in reducing the current level of conflict in the conflict prone areas. It also suggested the need to broaden local leaders’ knowledge base through provision of training in conflict handling.