Correlates of Migratory and Spatial Patterns of Fulani Herdsmen Settlements Within Ogbomoso Region, Nigeria

Abstract

Migration presents and remains a quandary for policy makers in Nigeria as a Result of cultural heterogeneity of the country. Consequently, an urgent consciousness of looming dangers attached to uncontrolled internal migration is crucial for nomadic development. The paper thus examines migratory and spatial patterns of nomads within Ogbomoso Region. The selection of nomadic settlement was determined using geographic coordinates and use of structured questionnaire as a means of data collection. Accidental sampling method was used to select ten Fulani settlements for focus group discussion. X, Y, Z coordinates was utilized for all identified Fulani settlements to analyse spatial pattern of nomadic Fulani settlement while six hundred and forty seven (647) residents of immediate native host communities were randomly selected based on the building population of the selected host communities for questionnaire administration. Content Analysis was employed to analyse reports of Focus Group Discussion while complete spatial randomness Index Analysis was used to determine the spatial pattern of nomadic Fulani Settlement. Likert Scale was used to analyse the perception of residents of host communities on factors contributing to nomadic Fulani migratory and spatial patterns in the study area. The findings revealed that Fulani’s are becoming permanent settlers within the study area with their length of stay ranging from Thirty three (33) years to three (3) years. Also a clustered spatial pattern of nomadic Fulani Migratory as indicated by residents are easy land acquisition (MFI, 5.01%) availability of grazing area (MFI,5 %.01) good dairy market(MFI, 4.98) and peaceful environment (MFI, 9.93). The study recommends formulation of appropriate nomadic migration policies and establishment of Ogbomoso Nomadic Development Authority in order to enhance the development of the region through nomadic Fulani Migration

DOI: 10.7176/JCSD/51-01

Publication date:September 30^th 2019