Farmers' Perceived Effects of Intra-Communal Conflict on Cassava Production in Emohua Local Government of Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the effects of intra-communal conflict on cassava production in Emohua Local Government Area, Rivers State. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to obtain a sample size of one hundred and twenty (120) respondents, out of which 114 were successfully interviewed. Information was elicited using an interview schedule and analysed using frequencies, percentages, mean and ordinary least squares regression analysis (OLS). The study revealed that intra-communal conflicts have high effects on the destruction of farmlands ( =3.2), loss of market transactions ( =3.2), destruction of both private and public assets ( =3.2), shrinking of markets due to the high cost of transactions ( =3.2), increase in the cost of production ( =3.2), reduction in market efficiency ( =3.2) and lower outputs ( =3.4). The study concluded that intra-communal violence is a significant barrier to agricultural output in the research region; agricultural potential is severely undermined by the ongoing incidence of intra-communal disputes. To lessen intra-communal conflicts and increase cassava production in the study area, the study suggests strengthening community conflict resolution mechanisms, encouraging social cohesion and communication within the community, improving security and safeguarding agricultural activities, implementing equitable resource management policies, providing agricultural support and production incentives, and establishing clear land boundary demarcation and documentation.