Addressing the Challenges of Herders-Farmers Crisis in Nigeria through Intercultural Leadership in Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Agricultural products for both crops and animals are essential commodities worldwide, and the issue of food security is one of the major global challenges that demands serious concern and attention. This paper focuses on ways of addressing the farmers-herders crisis through the use, support, and cooperation of all village heads and community leaders in the farming communities of Adamawa State. This is because the village head knows all the caliber of farmers within their territories, and the majority of farmers listen to and give maximum respect to their community leaders. The paper reveals that Nigeria has experienced the highest number of farmer-herder fatalities in West or Central Africa over the past decade. The crisis has resulted in a large number of deaths among farmers, low agricultural productivity, and high prices of food items across West African countries. The paper recommends that village heads should organize regular meetings with farmers to enlighten them on the consequences of crisis on social, cultural, and economic aspects. The government should encourage, motivate, and support community leaders and engage them in decision-making. Additionally, the provision of infrastructural facilities is of paramount importance to support all cultural and community leaders to do the needful, in order to address the challenges of the farmers-herders crisis in Nigeria and ensure economic sustainability.