No Tribe In Crime: Changing Pastoralism and Conflict in Nigeria’s Middle Belt - Research and Policy Brief
Publisher: Mercy Corps
Author(s): Chitra Nagarajan, Ibrahim Hassan, and Phebe Banu
Date: 2019
Topics: Climate Change, Conflict Causes, Conflict Prevention, Gender, Land, Renewable Resources
Countries: Nigeria
Farmer-pastoralist conflict in Nigeria has attracted increased media attention both locally and internationally, though its main actors, causes, and consequences are often the source of speculation and rumors. This lack of understanding of conflict dynamics is largely driven by limited evidence on pastoralist groups and practices, particularly as gathered directly from pastoralists themselves. As part of the USAID-funded Engaging Communities for Peace in Nigeria program, Mercy Corps conducted a study to develop a deeper understanding of the changing dynamics among pastoralist groups, relationships between farmers and different pastoralist groups, and the ways in which these complex dynamics and relationships affect and are affected by conflict. We spoke with pastoralists across the spectrum of movement, farmers, government officials, and civil society representatives, with the aim of informing policymakers, practitioners, and donors on best ways to address conflict.