Al-Hikmah University Journal

The study assesses effects of communal conflict on agricultural productivity and resolution strategies among farming communities in Benue and Nasarawa states.The study was guided by two specific objectives, two research questions and two null hypotheses. The researcher adopted descriptive survey research design. The population of the study was all farmers, herdsmen and traditional rulers in Benue and Nasarawa states. Two hundred and forty sample (240) comprising of 100 farmers, 100 herdsmen and 40 traditional rulers from Benue and Nasarawa states were purposively and conveniently selected for the study. Structured questionnaire as well as interview schedule was used as instruments for data collection. Face to face method of instrument delivery with the help of three research assistants was used to distribute the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation were used to answer all the research questions. Inferential statistics of ANOVA was used to test all the null hypotheses at 0.05 levels of significance. The results of the analysis revealed s that Communal conflict affect farming communities, result to low agricultural production, leads to famine among households, decreases their family income, affect the education of the children, bridge the peaceful coexistence among the farming communities as well low food supply in the market square. Demarcation between farming sites and grazing routes, adoption and implementation of effective land use and environmental policies and promotion of religious tolerance by traditional rulers and other relevant stakeholders are significant strategies in achieving conflict resolution among farming communities but use of court of law in solving farmers/herders conflict.The researchers concluded that communal conflict wage serious war against agricultural productivity in Benue and Nasarawa states. The implication is that if the functional strategies are not put in place to resolving conflict between farming communities, agricultural production within the states would not be sustained. The researchers therefore, recommended that farmers/herdsmen traditional rulers, state and federal government as well as international community should make untiring efforts to educate and enlighten the farmers and herdsmen on the need to co-exist in peace for sustainable agricultural development.