ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF EKITI STATE AGRO-MARSHAL CORPS ON FARMERS-HERDERS CONFLICT REDUCTION IN EKITI STATE

Farmers-herders conflict remains a significant threat to agricultural productivity, rural livelihoods, and community security in Nigeria. In response to persistent agrarian insecurity, the Ekiti State Government established the Agro-Marshal Corps to support the enforcement of grazing regulations, protect farmlands, and mitigate conflicts between farmers and herders. This study assessed the impact of the Corps on farmers-herders conflict reduction in Ekiti State. Specifically, it examined the causes and patterns of the conflict, assessed the roles of the Corps in enforcing grazing laws and promoting agricultural security, evaluated the extent of its contribution to conflict reduction, identified operational challenges, and proposed strategies for improving its effectiveness. The study adopted a mixed-methods survey design. Data were collected from 100 purposively selected respondents comprising farmers, herders, rural community members, and Agro-Marshal personnel through structured questionnaires and qualitative engagements. Quantitative data were analysed using frequencies and percentages, while qualitative responses were thematically interpreted and used to complement the survey findings. The findings revealed that competition over land and grazing resources, unclear grazing routes, farmland encroachment, climate-related migration, and weak enforcement of regulations were major drivers of conflict. The Corps was perceived to contribute positively to grazing-law enforcement, livestock-movement regulation, farmers’ confidence, and conflict monitoring. Specifically, 80% of respondents agreed that its activities had reduced conflict frequency, while 90% acknowledged its mediation and conflict-resolution efforts as contributing to peaceful coexistence. However, inadequate funding, insufficient personnel and equipment, and weak institutional and community collaboration constrained its effectiveness. The study concludes that the Agro-Marshal Corps represents a useful state-level security intervention, but its long-term effectiveness depends on improved resources, community engagement, institutional coordination, and attention to the structural causes of agrarian conflict.