Global Journal of Biology, Agriculture & Health Sciences

Abstract

Effects of Communal Conflicts on Agricultural Extension Services Delivery in Imo State, Nigeria

Ani, A.O., Chikaire, J.U., Ogueri, E.I. & Orusha, J.O.

The study assessed effects of communal conflicts on agricultural extension services delivery in Imo State. The specific objectives were : to identify types and causes of conflicts in Imo State, identify extension services rendered by the agents, examine effects of conflicts on extension services delivery, and to ascertain roles extension agents can play in reducing conflicts. A total of one hundred and thirty (130) extension personnel made up the sample size. Data were collected with structured questionnaire and were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics such as percentages presented in frequency tables and mean scores. The results revealed two major forms of conflict as farmer/pastoralist conflicts (75.4%) and politico-religious conflicts with (64.6%) response. Boundary dispute (X=3.38), encroachment on farmland (X=3.42) and scarcity of land (X=3.51) are major causes of violent conflict in the study area as revealed by high mean responses. Extension render services such as farmer education (X=3.48), organizing demonstration (X=3.53), linking farmers to credit points (X=3.56) and teaching farmers different methods and techniques of farming (X=3.51). The effects of conflicts on extension services delivery are many as shown by the following mean responses, hindering project implementation(X=3.73), difficulty in programme execution X=(3.42), and work abandonment (X=3.53). To help manage conflicts in agricultural areas, agents should be honest peace brokers(3.40) and enlighten farmers through seminars and workshops. Since access to land is the major cause of resource use conflicts, land tenure reform and land policy formulation be pursued by the government.

Published Date: 2015-02-02;