The conflicts between herders and farmers in Asante Akyim Agogo. How can they be resolved?

Academic Paper , 2019 , 108 Pages

Sociology - Miscellaneous

This study examines the conflicts between herders and farmers in the Asante Akyim Agogo traditional area in Ghana. Herder-farmer relations and interactions are not new in Ghana. These relations of the herders and farmers are presented as noticeable by conflict, complementarities and cooperation. However, there are widespread reports of the increase in violent conflicts between the farmers and herders in many parts of Ghana. The Fulani herdsmen have always been alleged to be violent in their interactions with the residents over the use of resources. The study examined the causes of the herder-farmer conflicts and the effects of the conflicts in Asante Akyim Agogo. The study also examines the responses of the local and central government, and the strategies adopted to curb the conflict.

The study adopted a qualitative research approach which helped in gathering information on the conflicts between herders and farmers in Agogo in order to explain the findings of the study and making valid conclusions. Secondary data from books, journals, articles and the internet were used during the research. Given the complexity of the subject matter in this content analysis, and the number of philosophical questions that it raises, it took an interpretive approach. It was based on a critical review of existing literature from a variety of academic works. The underpinning theories for this study were the theory of Farmer-Herder Relations, Conflict theory and, Environmental Scarcity and Eco-Survivalism theories of Conflict.

These interpretations emphasized on the increase of crop destruction, cattle rustling, raping of women, killing of cattle and armed robbery as causes of farmer-herder conflict Asante Akyim Agogo. The implication was that, several people lost their lives and properties, poverty and social problems, destruction of farm products and reduction of output and income of farmers. The study concluded with the recommendation that farmers and herders or pastoralists must create good exchange arrangements with families to make use of crop residue or to trade goods. These lawful engagements can include the means for control over the pasture, regulation of access to routes, regulation of disputes over property rights, identification of herds, marriage disputes and other social problems.

Table of Contents

• ABSTRACT
• CHAPTER ONE
  • INTRODUCTION
  • 1.1 Background of the Study
  • 1.2 Statement of the Problem
  • 1.3 Research Questions
  • 1.4 Objectives of the Study
    • 1.4.1 General Objective
    • 1.4.2 Specific Objectives
  • 1.5 Methodology
    • 1.5.1 Research Design
    • 1.5.2 Research Approach and Strategy
    • 1.5.3 Study Population
    • 1.5.4 Sample Size and Sampling Techniques
    • 1.5.5 Data Collection and Research Instrument
    • 1.5.6 Method of Data Analysis
    • 1.5.7 Data Verification
    • 1.5.8 Ethical Consideration
  • 1.6 Theoretical Framework
    • 1.6.1 Theory of Farmer-Herder Relations
    • 1.6.2 Conflict Theory
    • 1.6.3Environmental Scarcity and Eco-Survivalism Theories of Conflict
  • 1.7 Literature Review
    • 1.7.1 Factors that Continue to Attract the Fulani Herdsmen to Asanti Akyim Agogo
    • 1.7.2 The Cause of Conflict in Asanti Akyim Agogo
    • 1.7.3 The Effects of the Conflict in Asanti Akyim Agogo
    • 1.7.4 The Local and Central Government Responses to the Conflict
  • 1.8 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
  • References
• CHAPTER TWO
  • THE CAUSES OF HERDER-FARMER CONFLICT IN ASANTI AKYIM AGOGO

Objectives and Key Themes

This dissertation explores the causes of conflict between herders and farmers in the Agogo Traditional Area of Ghana. The study uses a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods to analyze the historical context, social, economic, and environmental factors contributing to the conflict. The dissertation also seeks to learn lessons from pastoralism in India, aiming to identify potential solutions and strategies for conflict mitigation. Key themes explored in the dissertation include:

• Factors attracting Fulani herdsmen to the Agogo Traditional Area
• Causes of conflict between herders and farmers in Agogo
• The effects of the conflict on the local community and environment
• The role of government and local communities in addressing the conflict
• Lessons from pastoralism in India for resolving the conflict in Ghana

Chapter Summaries

The first chapter provides an introduction to the study, outlining the background, problem statement, research questions, objectives, methodology, theoretical framework, and a review of relevant literature. It focuses on the historical context, social, economic, and environmental factors contributing to the conflict between herders and farmers in the Agogo Traditional Area. It also examines existing research on the conflict, exploring the various perspectives and approaches to understanding and addressing the issue. Chapter Two delves into the root causes of the conflict in the Agogo Traditional Area. The chapter analyzes the socio-economic factors, including competition for resources, land tenure systems, and the role of social and cultural practices, that drive the conflict. It investigates the historical relationship between herders and farmers in the region, exploring how changing dynamics have contributed to the current situation.

Keywords

This dissertation focuses on the complex dynamics of herder-farmer conflict in Ghana, specifically within the Agogo Traditional Area. Key terms and concepts include: pastoralism, land tenure, resource competition, environmental degradation, conflict mitigation, traditional leadership, government intervention, and lessons from pastoralism in India. The study employs a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on sociological, anthropological, and environmental perspectives to understand the root causes and potential solutions to the conflict.

• Author: Caeser Nibelli (Author)
• Publication Year: 2019
• Pages: 108
• Catalog Number: V503392
• ISBN (eBook): 9783346055118
• ISBN (Book): 9783346055125
• Language: English
• Tags: asante, akyim, agogo