Farmer -Herder Conflict and Displacement of People in Keana Local Government council of Nasarawa State, Nigeria

The recurring farmer-herder conflict in Nigeria has escalated into one of the most pressing internal security and humanitarian challenges, particularly in agrarian communities such as Keana Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa State. This study investigates the underlying causes, patterns, and consequences of the conflict and its role in population displacement within the area. Drawing on a mixed-methods approach comprising surveys, interviews, and secondary data, the study reveals that competition over land and water resources, exacerbated by climate change and weak land governance, are the primary triggers of conflict. Seasonal migration by pastoralists into farming territories has led to the destruction of crops, retaliatory attacks, and the mass displacement of rural populations. Findings indicate that a significant proportion of the population has been displaced—particularly women and children—resulting in loss of livelihoods, food insecurity, and social fragmentation. The state response to displacement remains largely reactive and insufficient, with inadequate support for resettlement, livelihood recovery, or peacebuilding. Community coping strategies, while commendable, are not sustainable without state intervention. The study recommends the establishment of grazing reserves, robust land-use policies, early warning mechanisms, and integrated support for internally displaced persons (IDPs). It concludes that a multi-stakeholder, conflict-sensitive approach is essential to mitigating the crisis and restoring peace and development in Keana LGA and similar conflict-prone areas.