Herdsmen Menace and Agricultural Activities in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Herdsmen menace is no doubt a worrisome issue that has threatened the live and existence of humans in the society including the area of food security in Nigeria. The study aims at investigating the prevalence and implication of herdsmen menace on agricultural activities in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive method in which quantitative approach is employed. The study used multistage sampling techniques to select 286 respondents across the senatorial districts in Ekiti State, and copies of questionnaire was used to gather information on the subject matter from respondents. The study revealed that 37% majority were youth, 68% were male, 35% were married, and 34% respondents were farmers. Also, the study revealed that 64% were aware of herdsmen menace, and this is because it was on monthly basis (37%), and 72% claimed it is prevalent. According to the study's findings, the majority of respondents agreed that herdsmen pose a threat to agricultural production. These consequences include: preventing economic livelihood (75%), reducing agricultural product availability (63%), causing violence or aggression (50%), causing damage to infrastructure (57%), and displacing people (47%). Based on the results, the study came to the conclusion that food insecurity in Ekiti State, and consequently throughout Nigeria, was exacerbated by the threat posed by herdsmen. As a result of the findings and conclusion, the study advises that government and security services should ensure they provide security and safety for farmers in order to continue their agricultural activities and increase food security in the State, and Nigeria.