International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) |Volume VI, Issue X, October 2022|ISSN 2454-6186
An Appraisal of Farmer-Grazier Conflicts Resolutions in The Dairy Districts of Bui Division (DDBD)
Anastasia Kininla Kongnyuy1, Loveline Kongla Nsahlai2, Harry Mairomi Wirngo3 & Riddley Mbiybe Ngala4
1Geography Department, The University of Maroua-Cameroon
2Geography Department, Higher Teacher Training College, Bertoua,-Cameroon
3Department of Geography, Higher Teacher Training College, Bambili-Cameroon
4Geography Department, The University of Yaoundé 1-Cameroon
Abstract: Despite governments’ efforts in Sub-Saharan Africa to solve land use crisis, farmer-grazier conflicts persist in localities where grazing is practiced. This paper aims at assessing farmer-grazier conflict resolutions in the Dairy Districts of Bui Division (DDBD) by the Tadu Dairy Cooperative Society (TDCS). A mixed research approach was used in this study; primary data was acquired via questionnaires, interview guides, and direct and indirect observations. It was realized that the cooperative crossbreed cattle of smallholders by way of artificial insemination (88%) thereby improving the variety and yield of cattle reared. Farmers’ income has been boosted (94%). Rural women have been encouraged/integrated into the rearing of high-yielding new breeds (68%). The cooperative has been training graziers on the new practice of stall-feeding; and keeps smallholders’ animals on its ranch (79.3%). Because of all these, the quest for more grazing land that usually caused conflicts between farmers and graziers has reduced. Nevertheless, governments should encourage the creation of dairy cooperatives in areas where cattle are reared to enhance the resolution of farmer-grazier conflicts that have often retarded sustainable development within communities due to loss of property and long-lasting enmity.
Keywords: Conflict resolutions, Dairy Districts, Bui Division, Farmer-grazier conflicts, land use, Tadu dairy cooperative society
I. INTRODUCTION
Land is a resource that is indispensable to humanity. land use concerns the functions or purpose for which land is used by the human population which can be defined by human activities directly related to land, making use of its resources, or having an impact on them [1]. Land is a very strategic socio-economic asset. Competition over its acquisition is often vigorous almost everywhere in Cameroon and particularly in the northwest region [2]. Land is recognised as a primary source of wealth, social status, and power in local and indigenous communities. It is the basis for shelter, food, and economic activities; it is the most significant provider of employment opportunities in rural areas. Landownership is often the primary cause of conflicts, and given that the survival of most Cameroonians depend on land, the struggle over its control engages people at all rungs of society [3]. While bearing in mind the socioeconomic significance of land, it is not surprising that social or ethnic conflicts over land are occasioned by inequitable control over it [4].