PASTORALISM, SMALLHOLDER FARMING AND CONFLICTS IN THE SAWLA-TUNA-KALBA DISTRICT. THE CASE OF THE FULANI HERDSMEN

Abstract

This thesis examined causes and consequences of the farmer/herder conflict in the Sawla- Tuna-Kalba district in the Northern region of Ghana. A mixed research methodology was employed for the purposes of data collection and analysis. The study communities were put into clusters of eight. In the second stage simple random sampling technique was used to select households for responses. Purposive sampling was also used to interview some key respondent for information. In all a sample size of 170 was used. Questionnaire administration, interviews and Focus group discussions were used. The results of the study indicated that chiefs usually grant settlement permit to the Fulani without consulting the community members. The study also revealed that, the presence and activities of the Fulani in the Sawla- Tuna Kalba district is both parasitic and symbiotic. The major sources of the farmer/herders conflicts include the destruction of the farm crops and water bodies by the cattle of the Fulani and reprisal attacks. It was also revealed that, the conflicts leads to loss of lives, properties and hatred is intensified. The conflicts are mostly resolved by the chiefs through mediation and negotiation. This study therefore recommends that; Chiefs and the District Assembly should register all herdsmen in the District and keep track of their activities. Chiefs should consult their community members granting settlements permits to Fulani Herdsmen. The leaders of the Fulani should co-operate with both traditional and local governance authorities to identify and flash the bad ones amongst them. Chiefs and community leaders should identify grazing routes and dedicate water bodies to the Fulani in order to prevent herdsmen encroachment on farmlands and water bodies.