Anti-Grazing Policy and Conflict Resolution between Fulani Herdsmen and Farmers in Ekiti State

This study assessed the Anti-Grazing Policy and Conflict Resolution between Fulani Herdsmen and Farmers in Ekiti State. The incessant conflict between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in Nigeria, especially the Ikole attack killing two people on 20th and Oke Ado Ekiti State attack on 21st May 2016 prompt the Ekiti State government to enact Anti-grazing law in Ekiti State. The objective of the study is to establish the role of Anti-Grazing Policy in Conflict Resolution between Fulani herdsmen and Farmers in Ekiti State. Qualitative approach which focuses on the explanation of subjective perspectives, processes and contextual meaning was employed for the study. Primary and secondary data sources were used to generate data for the study. Purposive sample was used to drawn the 22 interview respondents. Both data from interview and secondary sources were analysed qualitatively. The study revealed that the Ekiti State Government passed into Law Anti Grazing Bill 2016 to resolve various conflicts between Fulani herdsmen and Farmers in Ekiti State. It also revealed that the Government set up Ekiti Anti-Grazing Enforcement Marshal who implements the Law. The State government partner with the 16 Local Governments in allocation of land to herdsmen for cattle’s grazing. It was established that the Government also collaborates with the herdsmen Association in Ekiti to maintain peaceful implementation of the law. It is evident that this Anti-grazing policy has succeeded in resolving conflict between Fulani herdsmen and Farmers in Ekiti State. We recommend creation of grazing zone; private ownership of ranch; border should be secured; training of Ekiti State Grazing Marshal and proper monitoring of their operations.