Conference Paper

Review of Climate Change and Resource Scarcity in the Escalation of Farmer–Herder Conflicts in Yewa North Local Government Area, Ogun State

The interaction of climate change and resource scarcity has become a major driver of farmer–herder conflicts in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State. This study examined how climate-induced environmental changes and increasing competition over land and water resources contribute to the persistence and escalation of conflicts between farmers and herders. Guided by Eco-Violence Theory and Political Ecology Theory, the study adopted a qualitative case study design based on documentary analysis of secondary data sourced from peer-reviewed journal articles, government publications, policy documents, conference papers, and reports from relevant national and international organizations. The findings revealed that climate change has contributed to environmental degradation, reduced availability of grazing land and water, and increased pastoral migration into Yewa North. The study also found that weak conflict-resolution mechanisms, poor resource governance, and ineffective land-use management have sustained and escalated these conflicts. Furthermore, the conflicts have negatively affected agricultural productivity through crop destruction, and disruption of farming activities, thereby threatening food security and rural livelihoods. The study concludes that farmer–herder conflicts in Yewa North result from the combined effects of climate-induced resource scarcity and governance deficiencies rather than environmental factors alone. It recommends the establishment of designated farmer–herder resource management zones, develop early warning signals, mediation mechanisms, and sustainable natural resource management to promote peaceful coexistence and enhance rural security. Keywords: Climate change; Resource scarcity; Farmer–herder conflict; Eco-Violence; Political Ecology;