Climate Change, Resource Scarcity, and Farmer-Herder Conflict: A Socioecological Analysis of Fulani Pastoralism in Nigeria

Climate Change, Resource Scarcity, and Farmer-Herder Conflict: A Socioecological Analysis of Fulani Pastoralism in Nigeria | Authorea try { document.documentElement.classList.add('js'); } catch (e) { } var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'G-8VDV14Y67G']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); Skip to main content Preprints Collections Wiley Open Research IET Open Research Ecological Society of Japan All Collections About About Authorea FAQs Contact Us Quick Search anywhere Search for preprint articles, keywords, etc. Search Search ADVANCED SEARCH SCROLL This is a preprint and has not been peer reviewed. Data may be preliminary. 27 February 2026 V1 Latest version Share on Climate Change, Resource Scarcity, and Farmer-Herder Conflict: A Socioecological Analysis of Fulani Pastoralism in Nigeria Authors : Taiwo Akanbi Olaiya 0000-0003-2701-8596 [email protected] and Taiwo A Olaiya Authors Info & Affiliations https://doi.org/10.22541/au.177222792.22973835/v1 184 views 80 downloads Contents Abstract Supplementary Material Information & Authors Metrics & Citations View Options References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract The study examines how climate change and human pressures transform pastoralist conflicts in Nigeria through a socioecological lens. Focusing on Fulani pastoralists, it challenges narratives criminalising their survival strategies, highlighting systemic vulnerabilities in Nigeria's agrarianpastoral economy. Using mixed methods, ethnographic fieldwork, geospatial analysis, and policy evaluation, the paper argues that clashes with farming communities stem from ecological collapse and governance failures, not cultural traits. Desertification, erratic rainfall, and shrinking grazing lands have disrupted traditional transhumance, while population growth and agricultural expansion have intensified land competition. Neoliberal land reforms and state neglect exacerbate scarcity, pushing pastoralists toward survivalist practices akin to banditry. Yet, Fulani resilience endures through ethno-ecological knowledge and local conflict-resolution systems. The resulting violence, farm destruction, displacement, and ethno-religious tensions, threatens Nigeria's food security and stability. The study proposes policy reforms: climate-smart ranching, equitable land-use models, and inclusive mediation prioritising pastoralist agency. By reframing Fulani pastoralism within planetary boundary debates, it advances global discussions on sustainable livestock economies amid climate crises. Ultimately, Nigeria's pastoralist conflict is not an isolated issue but a warning of socioecological breakdowns facing resource-dependent Global South regions. Supplementary Material File (olaiya_climate change and fulani cattle rearing paper.pdf) Download 694.93 KB Information & Authors Information Version history V1 Version 1 27 February 2026 Copyright This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License. Keywords climate change farmer-herder conflict fulani nigeria pastoralism Authors Affiliations Taiwo Akanbi Olaiya 0000-0003-2701-8596 [email protected] View all articles by this author Taiwo A Olaiya View all articles by this author Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 184 views 80 downloads .FvxKWukQNSOunydq8rnd { width: 100px; } Citations Download citation Taiwo Akanbi Olaiya, Taiwo A Olaiya. Climate Change, Resource Scarcity, and Farmer-Herder Conflict: A Socioecological Analysis of Fulani Pastoralism in Nigeria. Authorea . 27 February 2026. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.177222792.22973835/v1 If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download. For more information or tips please see 'Downloading to a citation manager' in the Help menu . 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