EFFECT OF FULANI HERDERS AND FARMERS' CONFLICT ON HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN GUMA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The ongoing disputes over land resources, which is driven by ecological and socio-economic pressures; led to
widespread destruction, displacement and housing instability. This study examined the effect of the Fulani
herders-farmers conflict on housing in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. A survey
research design was employed, and a random sampling technique was adopted to ensure representation across
the study population. Using Taro Yamane’s formula, a sample size of 400 respondents was generated. The
results revealed that 70% of respondents experienced severe housing damage, with property loss (mean = 4.0)
and displacement (mean = 3.8) identified as the major impacts. Other challenges included poor shelter access,
damaged infrastructure, and inadequate water supply. Coping strategies such as government aid (mean = 4.2),
relocation (mean = 4.0), and community support (mean = 3.9) were common but insufficient. Significant
findings showed that property loss correlated with conflict intensity (p = 0.0001), displacement affected
housing quality (p = 0.0013), and government intervention aided repairs (p = 0.0207). Temporary shelters
were linked to poorer living conditions (p = 0.0004). In conclusion, the research highlighted the critical need
for comprehensive policies, sustainable housing solutions, and effective conflict resolution mechanisms to
address the socio-economic impacts of the herders-farmers conflict in Guma LGA.