International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue II, February 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186

Farmer-grazier conflict resolution methods and mitigation mechanisms in Bui-Donga Mantung Divisions, North West Cameroon

Kinsam James S^1*, Tankou Christopher M², Nobert Tohnain Lengha^3
1,3 Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon
²Department of crop Science, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricuktural Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon
*Corresponding author

Abstract: This article examines the general underlying crop farmer grazer conflict resolution methods/mitigation mechanisms in the North West region of Cameroon and in Bui-Donga Mantung Divisions in particular. It argues that the recurrent conflict that has hit the crop farming and livestock sector for several decades still suffers from arriving at a lasting solution. Several strategies have been put in place to bring peace between the two land users, but the dialogue platform (66%) has been sorted out the most effective mechanism. It also argues that the agro-pastoral commission (9.5%) has lost its credibility as the legal forum of conflict resolution, for in several attempts, has never arrived at a lasting solution to the farmer-grazer squabbles. Its effects are devastative and are felt in sectors such as food crop production, peace and harmony, justice, and sustainable development that are needed in the area of study. Therefore, we recommend that different methods can provide solutions, but a well-publicized demarcation of stock routes is by far the best assurance of a sense of belonging that cattle herders can appreciate and adapt to protection of farmlands. The government should therefore make better legislation on the farmer-grazer problem and revise the old ones for their conditions do not satisfy the both the crop farmers and grazers. Both land users should focus on the use of the dialogue platform as the main medium of conflict resolution, for its outcomes are often lasting and satisfactory to both parties.

Key words; Conflict, conflict resolution, dialogue platform

I. INTRODUCTION

Globally, conflicts have been the major issue destroying the economies of many people and the sustenance of their livelihoods. The protracted conflict between the crop farmers and the grazers generally known as the farmer-grazer conflict is a general phenomenon in most agro-pastoral communities around the world. Many factors have contributed to the farmer-grazer conflicts that have little or no link to the environment and natural resources viz; political and ethnic [1]. This is as a result of both local and institutional failures of arriving at a genuine conflict resolution between the conflicting parties.