Conflicts among farmers and herdsmen in the Kwahu East District in the Eastern Region of Ghana

Abstract

The purpose of this research work is to examine the extent to which land ownership rights and conflicts among farmers and herdsmen in Kwahu East District (KED) in the Eastern Region of Ghana. This research was based on five objectives including: to examine land ownership rights in the Kwahu East District,determine how farmers and herders get access to farmlands,analyse the causes of conflicts between farmers and herders over the use of land in Kwahu East District, analyse the effects of conflicts between farmers and herders in Kwahu East District and,examine the role being played by various bodies, including the District Assembly, Traditional Authorities, Security agencies among others in addressing the conflict.The study adopted a descriptive case study research design. The study population involved residents of the three communities within the Kwahu East District namely: Yaw Tenkorang, Kwaku Sarfo and Bebua. The purposive sampling technique was used to select 4 traditional leaders, 10 farmers, 10 herdsmen and cattle owners, 3 assembly members, The District Chief Executive, The District Commander of Police, and the District Land Officer. The study concluded that, land ownership rights in KED were based on the allodia and usufruct systems, which vest land ownership rights in the hands of traditional authorities and family heads. Again, the study showed that, indigenous farmers lay claim to greater rights over the lands compared to herders who are considered as aliens, without land ownerswhip right. Crop destruction, and competition over land, cattle rustling, mistrust between herders and hunters, closeness of farms to grazing routes and violence against women, unfavorable climatic changes coupled with incompatible farming and herding practices are the causes to the conflict. It has also been established that, the farmer-herder conflicts have resulted in loss of lives, destruction of properties, souring of relationship between farmers and herders and the desertion of towns and villages. The study revealed measures initiated to find lasting solution to this conflict. Key words: Farmers, Herders, land ownership rights.