Integration and Conflict Management among Igbo Migrants Farmers and Odolu/Igalamela Indigenes of Kogi State Nigeria

Abstract

Migrant farm workers suffer immensely from separation, isolaton, and discrimination  due to their poor integration into the host communities. The study was designed to asses the extent of integration, causes and management of conflict among migrant farmers and indigenous people of Odolu/Igalamela in Kogi state. A total of 100 respondents were purposively  selected from five out of nine town communities that make up Odolu/Igalamela ethnic region. A semi structured interview schedule was used to collect information from the respondents. Percentage, mean score and factor analysis were used to analyse the data obtained. The average number of years spent by the respondents in the destination area was 11.5 years. Irrespective of this number of years spent in the area, migrant farmers had not been properly integrated into the host communities. Majority of them (84.4%) had no land on freehold, although there were a number of intermarriages, there were also many cases of divorce (72%) and majority of them (75%) still bury their dead in the place of origin and hold ceremony at the same place. Majority (86%) of the migrant farmers had no title or leadership position in the destination area but belonged to migrant farmers association mainly for ceremonial and welfare purposes. There were no serious types/causes of conflict among migrant farmers but migrant farmers had conflicts with the indigenes mainly due to jealousy. These conflicts were resolved by formal, informal and interpersonal methods. The study emphasized the need to initiate policies that will favour the settlement of migrant farmers in the destination area as integration and consequent peaceful atmosphere ensure sustained agricultural production.

Key words: Migrant Farmers  Agriculture   Integration   conflict